Career Center

Walton County - Content & Public Relations Specialist

JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Director of Communications; the Content & Public Relations Specialist, will write, develop, and integrate content across paid, owned, and earned media channels. The Content & Public Relations Specialist will work with outside organizations contracted with the DMO, as well as, internal teams on content creation, creating press releases, maintaining internal media lists, and hosting FAM tours and media visits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

  • Assist the Director of Communications to develop the annual content/public relations strategies and the Connection newsletter
  • Understand the Visit South Walton brand, brand standards, goals, and audiences to create tailored messaging
  • Demonstrate excellent writing skills including the ability to quickly draft press releases, create newsletters, and tailored media pitches
  • Expand outreach among local, regional, and national media outlets
  • Coordinate and manage media familiarization tours, journalist visits, press conferences, direct-to-media pitch activities, including hosted media events outside of normal working hours
  • Build positive working relationships with area businesses, event organizers, key stakeholders, and VISIT FLORIDA
  • Serve as part of the communication team support to deliver emergency communications to media and/or industry partners when the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated
  • Actively stays abreast of new businesses, area developments and projects that directly impact the brand
  • Assists with copy editing needs, both internal and with contracted partners
  • Helps create video projects with in-house teams to showcase the destination
  • Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements, including nights and weekends
  • Performs other work as directed and required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Skill in content and editorial planning
  • Knowledge in content management systems (CMS), media platforms, analytics, metrics, and reporting
  • Knowledge of working in media and/or public relations
  • Knowledge of primary social platforms with ability to learn emerging technologies
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while remaining detail oriented
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment, courtesy, discretion, and initiative
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with public officials, peers, other Divisions, and departments as well as the general public
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Journalism, Creative Writing, Technical Writing, Professional Writing, English Composition, Public Relations, or related field
  • Two (2) or more years of content development/public relations experience
  • Valid driver’s license

Preferred: Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) or hospitality industry experience
Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as determined by the hiring manager and/or HR Director.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Walton County.

  • Sits or stands long periods of time
  • Communicates effectively in person or by using telecommunications equipment
  • Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or computer
  • Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight; requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
  • Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance
  • Work is performed mostly in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet
  • Travel between locations to effectively address the business needs of the department

 To apply: Click here