Florida Aquarium
Director of Public Relations
Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646
Position Summary
The Director of Public Relations is responsible for the development of a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy for The Florida Aquarium. This position will oversee media relations, communications, photo and video content development, and social media. The Director will proactively identify, develop and implement public relations campaigns that capitalize on unique and newsworthy stories designed to bolster The Florida Aquarium’s reputation as a leading conservation-based aquarium. This position will build strong relationships with local, regional and national media; create engaged audiences through dynamic social media strategies; and support initiatives that drive attendance and revenue.
Essential Position FunctionsDevelop and implement public relations strategies to enhance The Florida Aquarium’s visibility and reputation:Media Relations
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional and national news mediaCoordinate and manage media inquiries, press releases, and media eventsMonitor media coverage and provide reports on the effectiveness of media campaignsManage the online newsroom and press materials, such as expert bios and fact sheetsManage crisis communications and serve as a spokesperson when necessaryCommunications
Oversee the creation and distribution of engaging content that connects key target audiences with our shared purpose including relevant website materials, e-communications, and online outletsEnsure consistent and accurate messaging that aligns with the organization’s shared purposeCollaborate with other departments to identify and share information relevant to public relations effortsDevelop long-term long term external communications strategies that align with departmental goalsPhoto and Video Content Development
Oversee the creation of high-quality photo and video content that showcases the Aquarium’s programs, events and community initiativesManage the Videographer Production Manager to ensure creative and timely execution of contentOversee the organization of photo and video libraryManage external filming and photography requests as necessarySocial Media
Oversee the development and implementation of social media strategies that connect key audiences with our shared purposeManage the Social Media Manager to ensure creative and timely execution of contentDevelop comprehensive reporting systems that share social media engagement and insights with key leadershipWork closely with Director of Marketing on brainstorming and development of marketing and public relations plans including the development of initiatives in support of the goals and objectives or internal departmentsDevelop new public relations and communications strategies as necessary to support the Aquarium’s positive reputationManage external communications agency partner(s) to support the overarching public relations goals and objectivesServe as a proofreader for marketing, PR and social contentOther related duties as assigned
Education Requirements and Technical Skills
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing or journalism preferredMinimum of seven years of work experience in public relations, journalism or marketing requiredPrior experience managing direct reports and/or teams requiredAquarium/Zoo or tourism experience preferredKnowledge of Microsoft Office SoftwareExcellent verbal and written communications skillsHigh comfort level with public speakingCompetencies
Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas on responsibilityLeadership (Supervisory) – Shows leadership by providing vision and strategies; sets clear expectations and goals for the team that support departmental and organizational goals. Guides staff toward individual accomplishments, departmental, and organizational goals. Exhibits and demonstrates core value competencies. Creates a positive environment in which people are motivated to do their best. Invites input from team and can delegate responsibility appropriately. Recognizes contributions and supports professional growth of staffTeamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goalsCommunication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and peoplePlanning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.Collaboration — Works well with people outside his/her immediate work groupConcern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest itemInitiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.Typical Physical Requirements
Sitting (up 8 hours per day)Standing (up to 3 hours per day)Walking (up to 4 hours per day)Bending/Stooping/squatting — OccasionallyClimbing stairs — OccasionallyReaching above shoulders — OccasionallyCarrying (up to 10 lbs.) — OccasionallyLifting (up to 10 lbs.) — OccasionallyUsing hands for repetitive movements — BothTyping on a computer keyboardViewing a computer screen for extended periodsExcellent vision for proofing and detail workCoping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)More than normal talking, including on telephoneAbility to travel as needed — locally and/or nationalFlexibility in working weekends, evenings and holidays as needed
The Director of Public Relations is responsible for the development of a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy for The Florida Aquarium. This position will oversee media relations, communications, photo and video content development, and social media. The Director will proactively identify, develop and implement public relations campaigns that capitalize on unique and newsworthy stories designed to bolster The Florida Aquarium’s reputation as a leading conservation-based aquarium. This position will build strong relationships with local, regional and national media; create engaged audiences through dynamic social media strategies; and support initiatives that drive attendance and revenue.
Essential Position FunctionsDevelop and implement public relations strategies to enhance The Florida Aquarium’s visibility and reputation:Media Relations
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional and national news mediaCoordinate and manage media inquiries, press releases, and media eventsMonitor media coverage and provide reports on the effectiveness of media campaignsManage the online newsroom and press materials, such as expert bios and fact sheetsManage crisis communications and serve as a spokesperson when necessaryCommunications
Oversee the creation and distribution of engaging content that connects key target audiences with our shared purpose including relevant website materials, e-communications, and online outletsEnsure consistent and accurate messaging that aligns with the organization’s shared purposeCollaborate with other departments to identify and share information relevant to public relations effortsDevelop long-term long term external communications strategies that align with departmental goalsPhoto and Video Content Development
Oversee the creation of high-quality photo and video content that showcases the Aquarium’s programs, events and community initiativesManage the Videographer Production Manager to ensure creative and timely execution of contentOversee the organization of photo and video libraryManage external filming and photography requests as necessarySocial Media
Oversee the development and implementation of social media strategies that connect key audiences with our shared purposeManage the Social Media Manager to ensure creative and timely execution of contentDevelop comprehensive reporting systems that share social media engagement and insights with key leadershipWork closely with Director of Marketing on brainstorming and development of marketing and public relations plans including the development of initiatives in support of the goals and objectives or internal departmentsDevelop new public relations and communications strategies as necessary to support the Aquarium’s positive reputationManage external communications agency partner(s) to support the overarching public relations goals and objectivesServe as a proofreader for marketing, PR and social contentOther related duties as assigned
Education Requirements and Technical Skills
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing or journalism preferredMinimum of seven years of work experience in public relations, journalism or marketing requiredPrior experience managing direct reports and/or teams requiredAquarium/Zoo or tourism experience preferredKnowledge of Microsoft Office SoftwareExcellent verbal and written communications skillsHigh comfort level with public speakingCompetencies
Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas on responsibilityLeadership (Supervisory) – Shows leadership by providing vision and strategies; sets clear expectations and goals for the team that support departmental and organizational goals. Guides staff toward individual accomplishments, departmental, and organizational goals. Exhibits and demonstrates core value competencies. Creates a positive environment in which people are motivated to do their best. Invites input from team and can delegate responsibility appropriately. Recognizes contributions and supports professional growth of staffTeamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goalsCommunication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collects relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and peoplePlanning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.Collaboration — Works well with people outside his/her immediate work groupConcern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest itemInitiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.Typical Physical Requirements
Sitting (up 8 hours per day)Standing (up to 3 hours per day)Walking (up to 4 hours per day)Bending/Stooping/squatting — OccasionallyClimbing stairs — OccasionallyReaching above shoulders — OccasionallyCarrying (up to 10 lbs.) — OccasionallyLifting (up to 10 lbs.) — OccasionallyUsing hands for repetitive movements — BothTyping on a computer keyboardViewing a computer screen for extended periodsExcellent vision for proofing and detail workCoping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)More than normal talking, including on telephoneAbility to travel as needed — locally and/or nationalFlexibility in working weekends, evenings and holidays as needed