COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR-TOURISM

JOB DESCRIPTION

COMMUNICATIONS

COORDINATOR

(TOURISM)

COMMUNICATIONS

Newport News, VirginiaHuman Resources

Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position coordinates a variety of communications, media, and content

initiatives in support of the tourism office, and develops, writes, and distributes content that enhances

the city’s visibility as a travel destination. Reports to the Tourism Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops and distributes press releases, media advisories and alerts, and story pitches to strengthen

Newport News’ tourism profile. Maintains relationships with journalists, travel writers, and

influencers; coordinates media visits and assists with responding to inquiries to secure positive media

coverage. Writes and edits content for digital, print, and social media platforms—including blogs,

newsletters, and website updates—to highlight tourism attractions, events, and experiences. Ensures

that all written materials reflect the City’s brand standards.

Leads the development and distribution of the Industry Newsletter in collaboration with the

communication specialist and supports the Visitor-Focused Newsletter alongside the Content

Coordinator. Oversees editorial calendars and ensures timely, engaging content delivery.

Collaborates with the Marketing and Promotions teams on website updates, SEO content, and digital

storytelling to maintain an up-to-date and user-friendly tourism site. Monitors analytics to evaluate

engagement and optimize communication strategies.

Assists with tourism campaigns, destination promotions, and special events. Works closely with

community partners, vendors, and city departments to ensure cohesive messaging and brand visibility

across marketing channels. Tracks media placements, compiles PR reports, and maintains

communication archives. Provides input on annual visitor guides and promotional publications.

Serves as a liaison to the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Film Office in the areas of media,

public relations and promotion. Submits necessary information for all Virginia Tourism Corporation

publications and advertorial opportunities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected toeffectively work together to meet the needs of the community

and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also

expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

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REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Tourism – Knowledge of travel, tourism, marketing principles, practices, advertising mediums, and

techniques. Knowledge of the policies and procedures, organization and functions of the Tourism

Division. Knowledge of the geographic layout of the City, including all tourist attractions.

• Media Relations and Communications – Knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of

media/public relations, marketing and communications. Knowledge of the processes and

equipment used in the design and preparation of multimedia graphics, brochures and other visual

aids. Knowledge of advertising and publicity techniques. General knowledge of the proper

methods and techniques of researching, preparing and disseminating public information.

• Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer

services. This includes meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer

satisfaction.

• Information Technology – Knowledge of office equipment and personal computers, content

platforms, social media blogs, Google ads, Search Engine Optimization, web analytics and

design/development, mobile campaigns, and a variety of presentation media and digital

marketing.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Judgment/Decision Making –Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate

situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

• Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of completion

of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work activities in

accordance with priorities and estimated schedules and adjusts priorities when necessary.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication – Excellent ability to communicate ideas and proposals effectively to diverse

audiences to include preparing and presenting a wide variety of related community and public

relation materials. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented

verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a

confidential manner.

• Creativity – Ability to generate innovative and engaging ideas for tourism promotion and to

proactively identify opportunities that enhance public awareness, visibility, and engagement.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration or a

related field and 3-5 years related marketing, development, writing, or communications experience, or

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable general background check to include a state and local criminal history check and a valid

driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

pounds).

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

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