Tourism Public Relations Specialist at Economic… · Raleigh

Description

About the Role

Are you passionate about storytelling, travel, and showcasing the beauty of North Carolina to the world? Visit North Carolina is seeking a dynamic Tourism Public Relations Specialist to support strategic media engagement, press outreach, and tourism promotion efforts across the state. 

In this role, you will help coordinate media visits, assist in developing compelling itineraries, support media outreach initiatives, and foster relationships with journalists, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders. You will assist with planning media events, coordinating press trips and conference activities, tracking PR impact, and supporting content development efforts that elevate North Carolina as a premier travel destination. 

We’re looking for a collaborative and detail-oriented communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building relationships, managing logistics, and supporting creative storytelling initiatives. If you have strong organizational skills, a passion for travel and tourism, and an interest in public relations, we invite you to apply and help inspire visitors to discover the best of North Carolina.
 

Why Join Us? 

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to promoting North Carolina’s vibrant tourism industry. 
• Travel and engage with leading media professionals and influencers to tell the state’s unique stories. 
• Be part of a mission-driven organization that drives economic growth through tourism. 

What You’ll Do

As a Tourism Public Relations Specialist at Visit North Carolina, you’ll support efforts to showcase North Carolina to travel writers, influencers, media professionals, and tourism stakeholders through coordinated public relations initiatives and media engagement activities. Working under the direction of the Senior Public Relations Manager, you will assist with media visit planning, event coordination, partner communication, and PR outreach efforts that support Visit NC’s tourism marketing goals. 

Key responsibilities include: 

Support Media Visits  & Familiarization Tours: 

• Assist in developing and coordinating customized familiarization (FAM) itineraries and logistics for hosted travel writers, influencers, and  media professionals in collaboration with tourism partners, PR agencies, and internal staff. 
• Support proactive media outreach and itinerary planning efforts. 
• Assist with on-the-ground coordination and hosting during media visits, press trips, and tourism industry events. 
• Follow up post-trip to support coverage tracking, reporting, and ongoing relationship management with media contacts.

Support Reporting, Research & Operations 

• Support maintenance of media coverage trackers, PR valuation reporting, and domestic/international media metrics. 
• Assist with maintaining media and partner databases, Salesforce entries, and reporting systems to ensure accurate tracking and organization. 
• Coordinate with PR agencies and tourism partners to gather research, information, and supporting materials for outreach initiatives. 
• Share media coverage and success stories with tourism partners to strengthen industry engagement and visibility. 

Collaborate Across the Marketing and Communications Team 

• Provide operational and administrative support to senior PR staff and assist with broader marketing and communications departmental projects as needed. 
• Serve as backup support for PR team initiatives, events, and media activities during peak periods or staff absences. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on promoting North Carolina tourism. 

This role is perfect for a PR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is enthusiastic about storytelling, travel, and building relationships that elevate North Carolina’s tourism industry. 

Working Conditions

• In addition to working in general office environment, position requires multi-day statewide and domestic travel for familiarization tours, media missions, tradeshows and other events. Some international travel may be included. Work hours will include evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.  

We Invest in Our People—Professionally and Personally. 

At EDPNC, our benefits are designed to support your career, well-being, and life outside of work. 

• Competitive compensation and performance incentives that reward impact and results 
• Hybrid work schedule that supports flexibility, and balance 
• Generous time off, including 4 weeks of PTO, 9 paid holidays, 3 sick and wellness days, and 3 flex holidays 
• 401(k) with a 5% employer match after six months to help you build long-term financial security 
• Paid parental leave, including 8 weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks of paternal leave, because family matters 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA and FSA options 
• Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage as well as 50K life insurance for added peace of mind 
• Employee Assistance Program that covers your entire household’s wellbeing 
• Voluntary benefit options such as critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, life insurance and pet insurance 
• Corporate amenities such as paid parking, gym access and complimentary snacks
• Family Forward Certified, reflecting our commitment to family-friendly workplace practices 

Requirements

What We Are Looking For

• High school diploma or  GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.  
• 3-5 years public relations and/or marketing experience required; Experience in a tourism related field preferred. 

Key Competencies

• Exceptional Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and engage diverse audiences. 
• Relationship Builder: Skilled at networking and fostering connections with media, tourism partners, and industry professionals. 
• Time Management &  Organization: Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage logistics efficiently. 
• Collaborative & Team-Oriented: Works  effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders while also excelling independently. 
• Adaptable & Composed Under Pressure: Thrives in dynamic environments, maintaining professionalism and problem-solving  under tight deadlines. 
• Strategic & Disciplined: Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and accountability in decision-making and project execution. 
• Results-Driven: Self-motivated with a focus on delivering high-quality work that contributes to team success and organizational goals.