Public Relations Director

To be considered for this position, you must be presently working in a Public Relations or Marketing Communications firm. This is not an introductory position into the field.

Who we are

With offices in St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aqua is one of the nation’s leading marketing communications firms in the areas of tourism, travel and hospitality. Now in its 12th year, the firm boasts a record of consistent growth, massive industry recognition and superlative client outcomes. Aqua is a full-service marketing firm, providing clients with plans and executions that are fully integrated, and leading the industry. The various departments and personnel skillfully support and augment one another’s talents, combining into a dynamic, creative, and powerful team.

What we need

Senior-level Public Relations professional experienced in the travel, tourism or hospitality industries; able to guide, develop and grow both client programs as well as the agency’s own PR function. A team player able to work side-by-side with agency leadership while collaborating with members of the agency’s Account, Creative and Social Media teams. Experience with Florida-based DMO’s and governmental clients preferred. Should have demonstrated leadership skills as well as the ability to be a vital and engaged part of the agency’s new business and growth initiatives. Needs to be able to both develop and execute plans. Client contact experience, skills and ability a must. Should be able to recruit, hire, train, guide and manage other PR professionals as the agency continues to build its department. Must possess a minimum of 8 years of experience as well as Bachelor’s degree or above.

Specific job duties

• Strategic planning
• Creative tactics development and execution
• Press relations and contact, including list development and management
• Media event planning and organization
• Client contact
• New business and client development
• Coordination of efforts with client-side staff, state and other third-party communications professionals
• Social Media planning and execution
• Influencer identification, recruitment and management
• Team development and leadership

Requirements

• Self-starter
• Able to create written strategic plans
• Able to develop creative, industry-leading tactics and executions
• Superlative one-on-one, group and interpersonal skills
• Superb presentational and public speaking skills
• Demonstrated new business experience and ability
• Ability to organize and inspire others
• Experience working in the travel, tourism or hospitality industries
• DMO experience preferred
• Experience working with the State of Florida’s official tourism organization, Visit Florida
• Deep understanding and ability to coordinate efforts with Social Media
• Able to travel
• Must have established relationships with both press and influencers within Aqua’s areas of focus of travel, lifestyle, food, culture, entertainment, eco/nature and outdoors
• Desire to win awards and be at the top of the industry
• Min. 8 years experience
• Min. Bachelor degree or above

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person