PARKS, HERITAGE, & TOURISM PROGRAM COORD

State of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

134d • $52,137 - $77,163

About The Position

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Public Relations & Trade Relations Coordinator to support the Public Relations and Trade initiatives for Arkansas Tourism. This position plays a key role in promoting The Natural State to domestic and international audiences by assisting with media relations, press and influencer trips, and travel trade events. This is an exciting opportunity for a tourism professional passionate about storytelling, partnerships, and showcasing Arkansas as a premier travel destination.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in program coordination, tourism development, historic preservation, park management, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and media tracking tools; familiarity with CRM systems and project management platforms a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including some evenings and weekends for events and press trips.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field preferred.
• One year of experience in public relations, communications, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing familiarization (FAM) trips for travel journalists, influencers, and content creators, including itineraries, logistics, and hospitality coordination.
• Serve as a point of contact for visiting media and ensure a positive and seamless experience while traveling in Arkansas.
• Support the PR team in media tracking, reporting, and organizing press coverage and performance data.
• Coordinate photo/video releases, fact-checking, and destination information for media inquiries.
• Coordinate and attend domestic and international trade shows, consumer travel shows, and tourism sales missions to represent Arkansas Tourism.
• Manage pre-show and post-show logistics including booth setup, promotional materials, and lead tracking.
• Build and maintain relationships with travel buyers, tour operators, and industry professionals to generate interest in Arkansas travel experiences.
• Support Arkansas Tourism partners and stakeholders in maximizing exposure and connections at trade events.
• Plan and execute statewide programs related to parks, historic preservation, and tourism development.
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness, recommending improvements to enhance visitor experiences and community engagement.
• Organize and facilitate public events, workshops, and outreach programs to educate and engage residents and visitors.
• Track and report on project progress, expenditures, and outcomes to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing historic preservation, environmental conservation, and tourism development.
• Collect and analyze data related to visitor trends, economic impact, and program performance.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for department leadership.
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, budgets, and community partnerships.
• Develop educational materials and interpretive content to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Arkansas’s natural and cultural heritage.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Annual and sick leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement pension

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree