Communications/PR manager position open at LA County Fairplex

Communications and Public Relations Manager – Pomona Fairplex (Pomona, CA)

JOB DESCRIPTION                                                                                               

Division/Department			Marketing & Communications
Job Title			Communications and Public Relations Manager
Salary Grade	6
Reports to	Michelle DeMott				Title	Director of Marketing and Communications
Type of position:   Full-time   Part-time		Seasonal   Intern		Hours ___40___ / week   Exempt   Nonexempt
Summary Description
Manages communications and public relations department.  Serves as direct liaison between the Los Angeles County Fair Association (Fairplex) and various communications media.   Develops, coordinates and directs public relations activities for LACFA/Fairplex.  Publicizes, promotes and provides information about Fairplex, the L.A. County Fair, year-round events and all Fairplex business units. Oversees Fairplex publications and audio/visual productions.  Oversees internal and external communications.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Works with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and lead all aspects of the Fairplex media relations strategy. Plans and implements organization’s public relations strategies, policies and procedures. Represents organization to the press and public by acting as the corporate spokesperson when Marketing Director is unavailable. Fields and directs responses to all media-related inquiries. Works with all business units to identify and prioritize media program opportunities. Serves as the primary media liaison for Fairplex; cultivates relationships and maintains media databases. Writes and edits press materials including media advisories, press releases, statements, messaging, speeches, talking points and other materials. Develops ideas and story opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations and other public relations activities that promote awareness for a variety of Fairplex events and occurrences. Serves as the PR liaison with Fair and Fairplex vendors and promoters. Serves as PR liaison with LACFA and other organizations doing business with Fairplex. Plans and coordinates media events and press conferences; coordinates with PR agency. Monitors media coverage and manages clipping service and clip reports. Writes and edits content for websites and social media platforms. Manages social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Assists in the development of all marketing and communications plans for the annual Fair and Fairplex events. Takes photographs and/or coordinates photography and video presentations at Fairplex events. Responsible for supervising and evaluating the communications department staff including all outside public relations agencies or consultants. Proactively acquires information from business units, employees and other sources to prepare media releases, feature stories, fact sheets, brochures, historical publications, in-house newsletters, brochures and other publications. Demonstrates a commitment to the Fairplex mission in all work produced. Performs other duties as required.
Skills, Knowledge and abilities
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.)  from four-year college or university in journalism, public relations or related field and at least five years of responsible experience in a communications or public relations environment.  Must be a proven leader, be able to manage several activities and projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under pressure and deadlines.  Must be an effective decision-maker, and possess an understanding of the development of strategic business and operations plans.  Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills; proficient with AP style.  Must be able to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.  Must be highly capable of speaking in front of an audience.  Strong knowledge of L.A. media landscape and existing media relationships.   Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization’s strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.   Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.  Must possess computer and analytical/planning skills. Requires organizational skills and the ability to perform in a fast paced environment.  Requires the ability to work weekends, some evenings and most days of the Fair.
physical requirements of job
Must be able to type and use various computer software applications. Must be able to communicate over the telephone. Must be able to drive Ability to move around the grounds. Ability to lift a minimum of 15 pounds.
This job description supersedes all prior job descriptions and is intended to describe the general content and essential requirements for the position listed above. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to add or change the duties of this position at any time.