Senior Public Relations Specialist

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

Job Location:  This position will be located in Jefferson City, MO, within the Harry S. Truman Building (301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101)

Travel: Travel is required for this position - up to 60%. Could include international travel.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the administrative arm of the Missouri Tourism Commission, and it advocates for the sound development of the travel and tourism industry in Missouri. MDT’s mission is to promote Missouri as a top-of-mind travel destination and to boost state revenue through increased visitor spending. 

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

·      Field media requests for information about Missouri tourism destinations and attractions. Provide requested information, contacts and photographs.

·      Work with the division’s marketing agency to develop strategy, create editorial calendars and develop story ideas to pitch to media outlets.

·      Pitch story ideas focused on travel in Missouri to regional and national media.

·      Develop and maintain relationships with media and industry members.

·      Develop and maintain media coverage reports.

·      Serve on the division’s content creation team to develop articles and trip ideas for VisitMo.com, the annual printed/digital travel guide and social media channels.

·      Research and write informational materials, news releases, presentations, newsletters, articles, booklets, brochures, and other print and digital publications.

·      Design, develop and escort as required, curated individual and group itineraries press trips for domestic and international media and content creators.

·      Edit materials for content, clarity, organization, grammar, style and format.

·      Deliver presentations and/or serve as media spokesperson regarding division activities to the media, special interest groups, and the public. This includes broadcast interviews.

·      Assist with coordination of special events, and develop materials, displays and programs to promote division services, missions and goals.

·      Represent the Division at travel-related media trade shows.

·      Perform other related work as assigned.

Qualifications - All you need for success

·         Six or more years of professional experience with demonstrated knowledge in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing. This can be obtained through a combination of work experience and completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

·         Strong writing and storytelling skills.

·         Comprehensive editing and proofreading skills.

·         Knowledge of AP Style is preferred.

·         Ability to compose and produce a variety of informational materials.

·         Ability to conduct and review research and discern pertinent information.

·         Comprehensive knowledge and skill in the use of methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public.

·         Comprehensive knowledge of public relations techniques and procedures.

·         Ability to interpret and explain division policies and operations.

·         Ability to communicate and make presentations to media, employee groups, and the public.

·         Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with media representatives, agency officials, other employees and the public.

·         Ability to demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.

·         Knowledge of the state’s tourism industry is desirable.

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

[email protected]

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.