Director of Communications & Public Relations

About the role

The Director of Communications & Public Relations leads Visit Seattle’s public relations and communications function across local, regional and priority domestic markets. This senior leader develops and executes integrated communications strategies that strengthen the organization’s brand reputation, position Seattle as a premier destination, and generate positive media coverage to support tourism growth.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership for leisure media, business‑travel media, and corporate communications.
• Develop and execute integrated PR and communications strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Partner with the Conventions Team and Seattle Convention Center to create media strategies for the meetings and conventions market.
• Oversee communications planning, editorial calendars, media materials, executive messaging and stakeholder outreach.
• Lead proactive and reactive media relations across consumer, trade and industry audiences.
• Manage the scope of work and deliverables of a contracted external PR agency.
• Create and contribute content for Visit Seattle’s signature events.
• Oversee corporate communications including newsletters, board presentations and executive communications.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response to protect the organization’s reputation.
• Develop and manage the communications budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in public relations or communications, preferably within destination marketing or tourism.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Strong ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets and external agency relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills

• Media relations and thought‑leadership content development.
• Strategic communications planning.
• Crisis communications management.
• Budget development and oversight.
• Stakeholder messaging and executive communications.
• Event communications and signature‑event content creation.
• Management of external public‑relations agencies.