Senior Communications Manager

Organization 

As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name, mission, job, and our passion. We give Philadelphia a voice through groundbreaking advertising campaigns, a nationally recognized web and social media presence, and collaborative relationships with local and national partners. We want people to visit Philadelphia and love it like we do.

At VISIT PHILADELPHIA, our greatest investment has always been in our staff — smart, passionate, creative and innovative people who work hard and smart to tout Greater Philadelphia as a must-visit tourism destination, and who are guided by our core values. That means if you are passionate, trustworthy, inclusive, respectful, collaborative, innovative, and hospitable, we’d love for you to consider joining us! 

VISIT PHILADELPHIA is currently searching for a Senior Communications Manager to join the team.

Position 

The Senior Communications Manager is a key member of Visit Philadelphia’s media relations team, responsible for securing impactful media placements that elevate Philadelphia as a premier travel destination. This role demands a strong focus on media relations, including pitching, content development and fostering relationships with journalists and stakeholders across national, regional and local markets. This position is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with national and local media in addition to counterparts at regional CVBs, area attractions, museums, arts and culture organizations, restaurants and other key tourism partners to ensure cohesive storytelling and high-quality media experiences.

The Senior Communications Manager will execute communication strategies aligned with Visit Philadelphia’s key storylines and messaging pillars, including but not limited to:

• Arts & Culture
• Culinary
• History
• Health & Wellness 
• Live Music, Festivals & Events
• Diverse Markets (African American, Hispanic, AAPI and LGBTQ+ audiences)
• Community and Stakeholder Communications

The Senior Communications Manager will work closely with our Senior Communications Director to manage our Visiting Journalist Program (VJP), organize in-and-out-of-market media events, execute public relations campaigns and other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional writing and editing skills, proven experience securing national and local media placements and have a pulse on local events, attractions and the city’s tourism landscape to craft narratives that authentically represent Philadelphia and resonate with various audiences. This knowledge will support media relations efforts and help position the city as a vibrant, must-visit destination.

This position reports to the Vice President of Communications and may oversee interns or junior staff.

Primary Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Pitch compelling stories to national, regional and local outlets across consumer and corporate verticals.
• Develop, plan and execute media events in collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications.
• Organize and manage press trips, including creating itineraries and coordinating with partners to ensure a high-quality experience for journalists.
• Cultivate relationships with national and regional journalists, bloggers, influencers and other media professionals.
• Represent Visit Philadelphia at local media events (grand openings, restaurant previews, etc.), journalist conventions, media marketplaces and travel/tourism trade shows.
• Respond to and manage inbound media requests.

Content Development

• Write press materials, including press releases, media advisories, fact sheets and backgrounders.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to keep Media Center content updated, ensuring materials are visually appealing, accurate, relevant and up-to-date.
• May assist with developing corporate and stakeholder messaging, including talking points, speeches and media briefing documents.
• Ensure that all communications reflect Visit Philadelphia’s mission, values and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Media Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage media monitoring and analysis in partnership with the Communications Coordinator.
• Produce regular earned media reports to measure the success of media relations efforts.

Qualifications

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field (or commensurate experience).
• 6+ years of experience in media relations and communications.

Required Skills:

Specialized Experience, Skills and Abilities:

• Media Expertise: Strong relationships with national media and a proven track record of securing placements.
• Writing and Storytelling: Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills with a journalistic mindset.
• Content Creation: Ability to craft compelling press materials and develop storylines that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Relationship Building: Skilled at cultivating relationships with media, influencers, and tourism stakeholders.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Event Execution: Expertise in planning and hosting media events, including FAM trips and press activations.
• Executive Support: Experience preparing executives for media interviews and public appearances.
• Digital Savvy: Familiarity with leveraging digital platforms and new media opportunities for outreach.

Key Technical Skills or Applications:

• Strong communications and writing skills
• Experience in native social media advertising platforms
• Proficient in Google Docs, Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of and passion for the city and the five-county Philadelphia region

We offer generous and competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental and company-paid vision plans; company-paid life and disability; caregiver leave; SEPTA Key program; pet insurance reimbursement; 401(k) and company match program; and competitive paid time off programs. We operate in a hybrid work environment; employees have the option of working remotely two days per week.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.