Houston First

IN-PERSON - HOUSTON, TX.

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone. Our Mission is to create value and enhance economic prosperity by promoting the Houston region.

Houston First Corporation (HFC) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Houston and is committed to driving economic impact for the region.  Media Relations amplifies Houston First’s voice by shaping compelling stories, cultivating strong press relationships, and delivering strategic content across multiple platforms. We are seeking a Media Relations Manager to assist in driving brand visibility, strengthening reputation, and positioning Houston First as a leading authority in Houston’s tourism, culture, and economic landscape.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ☒ This position has no supervisory responsibilities 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Media Relations Support

• Builds and fosters relationships with key stakeholders across traditional and online media.
• Research topics and trends, and develops storylines designed to put Houston First in the spotlight.
• Assists with drafting press releases, media advisories, pitches, and media briefing materials
• Maintains and updates media contact lists and distribution databases.
• Monitors media coverage and compiles regular media reports.
• Positions Company leaders as subject matter experts.
• Coordinates media inquiries and routes requests to appropriate team members.
• Collaborates with external agencies as needed.
• Coordinates logistics for media visits, interviews, and photo opportunities.
• Assists in the planning and execution of media events, press conferences, and related activations.
• Keeps informed of current trends and developments in communications, public relations, and marketing to help the company continue to operate with initiative and
• innovation.

Content Development

• Supports the creation of written content including blog posts, newsletters, and other collateral.
• Assists with social media content aligned with PR efforts.
• Helps develop messaging that promotes Houston First and the broader hospitality and travel industry.

• Research media trends, journalists, and industry topics.
• Tracks PR metrics such as media impressions, coverage sentiment, and campaign performance.
• Prepares summary reports for leadership and stakeholders.

Administrative Support

• Assists with database management
• Helps process invoices and maintain the budget
• Assists with scheduling interviews and coordinating internal communications.
• Provides general support to the communications team as needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 3-5 years' experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Outstanding ability to write and edit according to journalistic standards in a variety of styles
• Demonstrates creative and critical thinking skills
• Strong problem-solving and strategy development skills
• Proven track record in managing and prioritizing multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in the Content Management System
• Interviewing and journalistic note-taking skills
• Outstanding people skills; success working collaboratively, building personal credibility and trust within teams and with individuals
• Exercises a strong degree of tact and diplomacy, able to interact with all levels of
• team members, including C-suite executives and board members
• Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, dynamic, with the ability to work on own initiative
• Understanding, yet persuasive when dealing with others both inside and outside the organization

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment

• ☒ Work long or irregular hours as required.
• ☒ Ability to travel to local/ tradeshows/conventions/ conferences/ training and development (30% of the year)