Communications Coordinator

POSITION: COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS                         

ACCOUNTABLE TO: ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

STATUS:  FULL-TIME, EXEMPT

Primary Objective/Position Summary:

Promote New Orleans as one of the best destinations in the U.S. through media relations, press trips and influencer marketing.

Support New Orleans & Company in providing strategic communication and public relations assistance to all internal departments.

Major Areas of Accountability/Essential Duties:

Work with media and influencers by assisting with story development, press trip coordination (accommodations, tours, meals, attractions, transportation and VIP Pass distribution when necessary) and follow-up after their visit.

Assist journalists and influencers with inquiries about New Orleans tourism via phone, in person, online or email.

Provide information, suggestions, contact information and story development support.

Vet incoming influencer requests for travel assistance, with oversight from the Communications Manager and AVP of Communications and PR.

Manage Widen photography and video database for PR, organizing assets, and providing journalists and clients with assets and technical support.

Help host journalists and influencers when they visit the city for group and individual press trips, including dinners and events on nights and weekends.

Assist SVP of Communications with thought leadership campaigns, presentations, CEO Communications, articles and results reports for the board and other stakeholders.

Work with online influencers on content creation trips to produce photo, video and blog content for use on their social channels as well as our owned channels and website.

Draft and distribute press releases, media alerts, talking points, advertorials, etc.

Manage the Press and Media section of NewOrleans.com and create or update content as needed.

Assist in creating content on business social media channels in collaboration with the Marketing team.

Support Senior Manager of International PR on international media relations and press trips as needed.

Support Manager of Communications PR database management in Simpleview. Track media interactions to add to our media lists and to contribute to the department’s quarterly goals.

Support department in production of quarterly publication, Tourism Matters.

Oversee database management software – Muck Rack, TV Eyes as well as media list building, news release drafting and distribution.

Monitor media for earned coverage assists as needed to be applied for credit in achieving quarterly goals.

Participate in regular calls with our PR agency of record to strategize and lend support. Provide agency partners with information for pitching and media inquiries.

Represent New Orleans & Company by attending local press conferences and events, as needed.

Manage PR Council list. Maintain positive working relationships with PR counterparts at local tourism businesses and regularly communicate with them on media leads and information.

Interact with members of the Executive Team and the CEO on interview requests, media coverage and reporting.

Manage communications inbox and phone lines.

Available after hours and on the weekends when hosting a journalist/influencer in town or as assigned, or during a crisis such as a hurricane.

Perform other duties and projects, as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from four-year college or university and two to three years of experience. Strong writing, editing and organizational skills are required for this position, as well as attention to detail. Familiarity with social media platforms, influencers and emerging technology such as AI preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Proficient in Microsoft Office suite or similar. Knowledge of spreadsheets and database programs, desired. Prior experience with a CRM or data management system a plus.

Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail and follow-through.

Ability to manage multiple objectives simultaneously and prioritize appropriately.

Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, members, and/or employees of the organization.

Attention to detail with high level of accuracy and follow-through.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Position operates in several different environments, but predominantly in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. Does not entail exposure to challenging or hazardous conditions. This position may require frequent weeknight and weekend assignments, often off-site, including occasional overnight stays. Ability to travel by airplane and operate a motor vehicle, or in lieu of a driver’s license, access to reliable transportation.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice and do not imply a contract of employment.

Responsibility for Work of Others: Seasonal Intern – One (1)

ABOUT US:

New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry representing over 1,100 member companies in the city’s hospitality community. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world to live, work and visit. At New Orleans & Company our values are more than just words on a page. They guide everything we do; from the way we work with our members, partners, and communities to the experiences we create for our visitors. We believe in trust, building genuine relationships that foster long-term partnerships. We value authenticity, striving to be true to ourselves and our city in all that we do. We embrace innovation, constantly seeking new and better ways to serve our stakeholders and enhance the visitor experience. Collaboration is at our core, recognizing that we are stronger together. We champion inclusiveness, creating a welcoming and accessible destination for all. Finally, we strive for excellence in all that we do, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of performance and service. These values define us and guide us, helping us to fulfill our vision of making New Orleans the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world.

New Orleans & Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We comply with all state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location where we have facilities. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.