Communications Manager

Experience Scottsdale is seeking a driven, detail-oriented and highly collaborative Communications Manager to join our fast-paced, high-performing communications team. This role plays a pivotal part in telling Scottsdales story to media and content creators around the world. The ideal candidate is an experienced communicator who thrives in a small-team environment—someone who is equally comfortable providing leadership to junior staff, owning projects and problem-solving independently, and taking strategic direction from senior leadership.As a key representative of the organization, the Communications Manager serves as a primary spokesperson and day-to-day media contact, fosters relationships with journalists and content creators, and helps implement a robust communications strategy that generates local, national and international publicity for Scottsdale.This role is hands‑on, highly visible, and deeply involved in bringing Scottsdales destination experiences to life for media. It requires initiative, professionalism, creativity, and the ability to balance many projects at once.The Communications Manager, under general supervision of the Vice President of Communications, works with the Communications Assistant, Communications Coordinator, Director of Communications, and Vice President of Communications.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Communications Strategy & Execution: Contribute to the creation and execution of the departments communications plan and digital strategy – earned and paid. Partner with the marketing department to help steer and complement their campaigns and efforts, including working with broadcast opportunities and content creators. Negotiate deliverables, plan visits and monitor results, to see paid partnerships through from start to finish.Leadership & Management: Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the Communications Coordinator, supporting their professional development and ensuring high-quality execution of department initiatives. Balance hands‑on responsibilities with oversight, acting as both a contributor and a manager within a small, collaborative team. Ensure alignment with senior leadership and contribute to strategic decision‑making. Manage Experience Scottsdales golf PR and marketing agency. Manage select team programs and projects and play a key role in the departments largest events.Media Relations: Represent Experience Scottsdale confidently in client‑facing and media‑facing interactions, serving as a primary spokesperson and relationship manager for key partners. Serve as a primary day‑to‑day media contact responding to journalist and influencer inquiries. Identify potential publicity and media opportunities within target domestic and international markets and proactively pitch key media outlets as well as bloggers and social media influencers. Support broadcast or other video shoots. Form and foster media relationships for Scottsdale as a leading destination brand.Media Missions, Trade Shows & Events: Plan, execute and participate in select media missions in key North American markets for in‑person pitch meetings. Represent Scottsdale at select trade shows and events, including vetting and securing media appointments and providing timely follow‑up.Writing & Pitching: Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to draft, edit and send high‑impact media pitches and select press releases. Brainstorm creative story ideas and proactively pitch key media, as well as respond to incoming queries to position Scottsdale prominently within consumer, lifestyle and travel media.Individual & Group Press Trips: Lead the coordination and execution of select individual and group press trips, including pitching, itinerary development, and on‑site activities meeting journalists as an official spokesperson for the organization.Database Administration/Reporting: Manage the monthly and quarterly reporting processes including ensuring clip entry is on schedule, pulling accurate department reports, crafting reports, and recording metrics without errors. Oversee and collaborate to produce social recaps for partnerships with content creators.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesRequired:Exceptional writer with outstanding verbal and written communication skills and a strong command of AP Style.Demonstrated success in media relations and proactive pitching.High attention to detail, accuracy and organizational discipline.Strong interpersonal skills and confidence interacting with media, clients, members and stakeholders.Ability to see both the big picture and the finer details.Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, meet tight deadlines and produce high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment. Maintains focus and delivers a consistent work product under pressure.Self‑motivated, proactive and able to take initiative with minimal supervision. Demonstrates follow‑through.Go‑getter mindset with a strong work ethic, team spirit, accountability and willingness to lead.Prior internal management, mentorship or account management experience.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms.Experience with media databases such as Meltwater, Cision, MuckRack, etc.Familiarity with media clipping services.PreferredExperience with pitch platforms such as HARO and Qwoted.Experience with web traffic tools (SEMrush, MozBar, SimilarWeb Google Analytics).Previous work in tourism, hospitality or destination marketing.Experience using Apple/MacBook platforms.Education & ExperienceBachelors degree required in a related field such as journalism, public relations, marketing or communications. Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in public relations, communications or media relations, including demonstrated success pitching media, managing projects, serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact, and working directly with journalists, influencers and external clients or partners.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position is responsible for the indirect supervision of the Communications Coordinator and Communications Assistant.Work Environment & Physical DemandsThis job includes both work in an office setting and remote work. It also requires active participation in outside meetings and destination activities, as well as work‑related travel. A vehicle/reliable transportation is needed. This role routinely uses standard office equipment and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. If necessary and physically able, the job includes some outdoor physical activities such as hiking, horseback riding or kayaking. On occasion, someone in this role may be asked to lift items up to 50 lbs. for special events.Position Type & Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full‑time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, frequent evening and weekend work is required due to media hosting and event demands. This position requires up to 10% travel.This is a fast‑paced, highly active role that often requires flexibility to support media activities, events, travel and press visits. While demanding, this position also offers the unique opportunity to experience Scottsdales premier attractions and offerings alongside media partners.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementOur visitors come from all walks of life and so do we. As an equal opportunity employer, Experience Scottsdale is committed to creating a diverse environment that allows our employees to learn, develop and grow. To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Experience Scottsdale will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Experience Scottsdale does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or any other characteristic protected by law.Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr