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The Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston is seeking a Public Relations manager to develop and execute a communications strategy to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, build the port’s brand regionally and nationally, and support the port’s business goals and objectives.

This skilled communications professional must have experience in developing and executing all aspects of a comprehensive branding, marketing and communications plan. This individual must have strong written, verbal and visual communications skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage media relations and crisis communications.

This individual must be self-motivated, well-organized and collaborate well with others. This role requires the ability to manage a departmental budget, initiate and execute projects, multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines with limited direction. The port is seeking a professional who can maintain high performance under pressure and understand processes to ensure quick and timely execution of projects. 

This role reports directly to the Port Director/CEO but works closely with other members of executive leadership and port staff.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage an annual communications plan that includes major business and communication milestones and objectives, as well as an annual budget. Elements include internal and external communications, community engagement, special events, publicity, media relations, marketing and advertising, social media, presentations, video, website and print materials.
• Conduct a visual brand assessment and improve/update visual assets as needed (messaging, style guide, design templates, imagery, print materials, videos, PowerPoint, displays) to reflect the port’s position as a top-ranked national cruise and cargo port
• Manage the development of and maintain a new website to meet the port’s business goals and objectives
• Develop a 2021 advertising plan, including messaging, reach and cost/benefit with the new brand; develop new marketing and advertising creative with the support of a creative agency
• Provide communications and marketing support for port staff for programs such as cruise parking marketing, grants, legislative outreach, business development, signage etc.
• Advise senior management on verbal and written messaging
• Manage media relations, including writing, disseminating and promoting press releases; building relationships with industry and general news media; responding to media inquiries with strategic messaging; and tracking media coverage
• Maintain a Crisis Communications Plan and execute as needed
• Develop and manage internal communications such as monthly employee newsletters to engage and align employees around port business and communication goals
• Provide monthly reports to track activities and performance
• Develop and manage a social media calendar and strategic, branded content; monitor social media channels 
• Plan, write, design and disseminate a monthly e-newsletter
• Manage, leverage and document port community engagement activities
• Orchestrate involvement in all relationship management including strategic alliances, industry organizations and business partner/community events
• Attend and coordinate participation and engagement in industry events and conferences as appropriate
• Plan, attend and facilitate special events  

Qualifications and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, or a similar discipline
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role
• Superb written, visual and verbal communication skills
• Follow AP standard of writing 
• Excellent strategic planning, project management, research and analytical skills
• Team-oriented with a strong commitment to inclusion
• Skilled at translating complicated business topics into engaging storytelling content built on the port’s brand message framework
• Organized and skilled in project management to effectively manage workflow and meet deadlines
• Good public speaker
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media platforms, Constant Contact, Canva, Survey Monkey or similar software
• Exemplifies executive presence and has a comfort level working with C-suite leaders 
• Ability to learn about high-level aspects of the port’s business, its business partners, the communities it serves, and the maritime industry
• Strong organizational ability, detail oriented, high degree of accuracy

Candidate Attributes:

• Self-directed
• Service-orientated
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Can quickly pivot to shift priorities
• Team player
• Shows keen attention to detail 
• Demonstrates business acumen 
• Exemplifies a strong bias for excellence, action and ability to multitask

About the Galveston Wharves

Galveston Wharves is a self-sustaining city entity that generates and reinvests revenue to create economic growth, jobs and other benefits for the Galveston region. The 840-acre port has infrastructure and assets to serve growing cruise, cargo and commercial businesses. As the fourth most popular U.S. cruise port, it welcomed more than 1 million cruise passengers in 2019. Also one of the busiest in Texas, the port moved 4.3 million tons of cargo in 2020 and has an estimated annual state economic impact of $2.1 billion.

• Location: 
  Galveston, Texas, United States 
• Position Title: Public Relations Manager
• Company Name: Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston
• Industry: Maritime
• Job Function: Writing/Editing/Strategic planning/Creative development/Media Relations
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Job Duration: Indefinite
• Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate
• Min Experience: 5 Years
• Required Travel: 5-20 percent