Public Relations Manager

Candidates must live in one of the following counties to be considered: Beaverhead, Broadwater, Granite, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Madison, Lewis and Clark, Powell, or Silver Bow Counties). Must commute to Deer Lodge office 1-2 days per week.

Job Title: Public Relations Manager

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt-Professional

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000 DOE

Expected Schedule: M – F, 8AM – 5PM with hybrid work schedule possible

Position Summary: Visit Southwest Montana is a nonprofit regional destination marketing / management organization. The position supports Southwest Montana to promote economic development as well as sustainability through travel promotions and product development.

We are a group of professionals who love Southwest Montana and are passionate about promoting these beautiful areas for others to explore. We have worked together to create a collaborative and positive work environment and our organization is looking for our next professional to join our team and help our communities thrive.

Essential Job Functions | Roles and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and assist the Executive Director with all aspects of Tourism Marketing

• Develop and implement strategic, communication, and Resiliency plans to meet region and state mission and vision; and expand partnership and membership.

• Develop and lead customer service and educational training.

• Collaborate with Executive Director on annual budget and marketing plans. Complete annual reporting to meet state standards.

• Manage activities with contractors (ex. call center, website), local/state/federal agencies, and businesses in the region.

• Develop and implement niche and group marketing promotions and products (ex. chocolate trail, history, Paranormal).

• Represent SWMT at trade shows, conventions, and meetings (ex. TAC, Fam Tours, special projects and initiatives).

• Collaborate with Executive Director to develop and/or lead media and tour operators familiarization tours.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business Management, Communication, Business Administration, or a similar field or 5 years consecutive experience in hospitality or tourism related position.

• Knowledge and experience with marketing strategic, or destination planning, development and implementation.

• Knowledge and experience with hospitality and customer service management and training.

• Combination of education and experience may be considered

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated and professional internal/external verbal and written communication skills.

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn the Rules & Regulations of Montana Lodging Tax as set forth by the Tourism Advisory Council.

• Experience working with private and public partnerships.

• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Power Point; Adobe, Photography Software

• Ability to collaboratively work with other team members, vendors and general public.

Location/Requirements:

• Employee must live in Southwest Montana Region (Beaverhead, Broadwater, Granite, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Madison, Lewis and Clark, Powell, or Silver Bow Counties).

• Our organization will follow a hybrid work structure where the employee may be able to work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on mutual agreement with the Executive Director. Working from the office may be required for tasks that require a high degree of collaboration with the Executive Director; at a minimum, travel is required to Deer Lodge weekly or as needed to meet with the Executive Director; other travel within and out of the region, including Canada, to meet with partners and/or attend meetings.

• Employees must provide reliable vehicle for travel.

• Administrative support including office space, computer, and supplies to be negotiated based on work location.

• Travel reimbursement based on State of Montana travel rates.

• Requires occasional lifting of objects weighing 60 pounds or less.

• Requires the ability to lead occasional walking or driving tours and may include additional activities.

Benefits: Medical, dental, PTO, paid holidays