Become the Media Relations Manager for Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. Destination DC is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.
The Washington DC Story:
Washington DC tourist visits exceed 25 million visits every year. As part of the recovery landscape Destination DC is building their organization to promote all the great attractions in Washington.
Founded in 1790, the nation’s capital has been a dynamic city with plenty of highs and lows to match its place in American history.
Founded on July 16, 1790, Washington, DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. You can read the actual line at the National Archives. From its beginning, it has been embroiled in political maneuvering, sectional conflicts and issues of race, national identity, compromise and, of course, power.
Like many decisions in American history, the location of the new city was to be a compromise: Alexander Hamilton and northern states wanted the new federal government to assume Revolutionary War debts, and Thomas Jefferson and southern states who wanted the capital placed in a location friendly to slave-holding agricultural interests.
It remains a vibrant and culturally diverse city today. The city is rich with international cultures, African American heritage and culture and it’s also one of America’s most gay-friendly cities. In fact, DC recognized same-sex marriage in 2010, before the Supreme Court, nearby, ruled that it was a right in 2015.
After more than 200 years as the nation’s capital, Washington has developed as a complex and layered city, with a distinctive character: both a town for locals, an international center of power and an amazing place to visit.
Today, you can have the best of both worlds by delving into the nation’s past with a visit on the National Mall and museums or adventuring into very modern, exciting neighborhoods.
International Media Relations Manager Job Opportunity:
Be a part of Washington, DC’s tourism recovery landscape. Destination DC (DDC) is hiring an International Media Relations Manager to join the communications team. The ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of PR experience, be creative, nimble, resourceful and passionate about promoting Washington, DC to an international audience.
The successful applicant will either know or be excited to learn more about the city’s hotels, dining, arts and culture, neighborhoods, nightlife and more. You will embrace DC’s offerings to pitch to international journalists, in turn supporting DC’s efforts to win overseas travelers back.
Join the team of outstanding professionals at DDC, where we offer excellent benefits, an open workplace culture focused on DEI and have fun promoting the city we love. DDC offers 10% 401‑k employer match, 100% of commuter benefits and more. Employees are currently working 2 to 3 days from home.
Apply for the International Media Relations Job here: https://www.washington.org/careers
What will the International Media Relations Manager be doing:
- Creatively pitch Washington, DC to earn editorial in the city’s top overseas markets and support the DDC tourism team’s efforts to regain market share.
- Maintain and build relationships with international travel journalists and editors to position Washington, DC as a top destination for overseas leisure travel.
- Support the president and CEO on international media missions by generating publicity through media and promotional opportunities, writing creative talking points and developing strategic communications support and follow up.
- Work with DDC’s tourism team to tailor messaging in top markets and complement international sales initiatives.
- Serve as primary point of contact to pitch the destination as part of Capital Region USA partnership, managing PR contracts in China, UK, France and Germany.
- Serve as primary point of contact to pitch the destination with DC-specific PR representation in China, Australia, India and the UK.
- Coordinate press tours for international groups and individual journalists, including obtaining transportation, accommodations, attraction passes, meals and interviews as needed. Serves as host for journalists.
- Fulfill individual international journalist requests including research, fact-checking and trip planning.
- Develop and maintain press materials.
- Work with Director of Communications and communications team to create content for online press room.
- Write press releases, brochure copy, newsletter copy and other editorial content as assigned.
- Track and report on international media coverage in each market.
- Maintain database of travel writers, editors and related media associates based on interests.
- Assist in planning and participate in regular press events to highlight organization’s programs and objectives. Participate in media development missions and trade shows as needed.
- Manage special projects as assigned.
What Experience and Education should you bring to the Media Relations Manager Job?
- Two to five (2–5) years of public relations, journalistic or marketing experience
- Four-year degree from an academic institution in public relations, journalism, marketing or communications required
- Excellent oral and written skills including a command of English grammar, usage and vocabulary
- Strong attention to detail and proofreading
- Position will include travel and hosting journalists in Washington, DC (sometimes outside of traditional work hours
- Hospitality industry experience a plus
- Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
- Experience with Microsoft Office and PowerPoint and communications tools such as Burrelles, Cision and Critical Mention
- Employee must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Apply for the International Media Relations Job here: https://www.washington.org/careers
Accountabilities & Measures
Periodic performance evaluations gauging qualitative performance against identified goals.
Americans with Disabilities Specifications
Physical Demands
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing most of the duties of this job, the employee may not be exposed to weather condition. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Apply for International Media Relations job here: https://www.washington.org/careers