Director of Public Relations and Communications

About the role

Visit Seattle is seeking a senior communications leader to shape and amplify the destination’s brand across local, regional and national markets. The Director of Public Relations and Communications will design and execute integrated strategies that boost Seattle’s reputation as a premier tourism and business‑travel hub.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement public‑relations and communications plans that align with organizational goals and enhance brand perception.
• Partner with the Conventions Team and Seattle Convention Center to create media strategies supporting the meetings and conventions market.
• Oversee editorial calendars, media materials, executive communications, stakeholder messaging and publicity initiatives.
• Lead proactive and reactive media relations for consumer, trade and industry audiences, generating earned media coverage.
• Manage the scope of work and deliverables of an external PR agency.
• Coordinate communications for signature events, newsletters, board presentations and stakeholder content.
• Plan and execute crisis‑communication responses to protect the organization’s reputation.
• Administer the public‑relations and communications budget responsibly.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in public relations, media relations and corporate communications.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide cross‑functional teams and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, especially for executive and stakeholder audiences.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships with local, regional and national media outlets.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and execution of integrated communications campaigns.
• Media relations (consumer, trade, industry).
• Crisis communications management.
• Budget development and stewardship.
• Event communications coordination.