Tourism Public Relations Specialist

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you passionate about storytelling, travel, and showcasing the beauty of North Carolina to the world? Visit North Carolina is seeking a dynamic Tourism Public Relations Specialist to support strategic media engagement, press outreach, and tourism promotion efforts across the state. In this role, you will help coordinate media visits, assist in developing compelling itineraries, support media outreach initiatives, and foster relationships with journalists, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders. You will assist with planning media events, coordinating press trips and conference activities, tracking PR impact, and supporting content development efforts that elevate North Carolina as a premier travel destination. We’re looking for a collaborative and detail-oriented communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building relationships, managing logistics, and supporting creative storytelling initiatives. If you have strong organizational skills, a passion for travel and tourism, and an interest in public relations, we invite you to apply and help inspire visitors to discover the best of North Carolina.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
3-5 years public relations and/or marketing experience required.
Experience in a tourism related field preferred.
Exceptional Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and engage diverse audiences.
Relationship Builder: Skilled at networking and fostering connections with media, tourism partners, and industry professionals.
Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage logistics efficiently.
Collaborative & Team-Oriented: Works effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders while also excelling independently.
Adaptable & Composed Under Pressure: Thrives in dynamic environments, maintaining professionalism and problem-solving under tight deadlines.
Strategic & Disciplined: Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and accountability in decision-making and project execution.
Results-Driven: Self-motivated with a focus on delivering high-quality work that contributes to team success and organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience in a tourism related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Support Media Visits & Familiarization Tours: Assist in developing and coordinating customized familiarization (FAM) itineraries and logistics for hosted travel writers, influencers, and media professionals in collaboration with tourism partners, PR agencies, and internal staff.
Support proactive media outreach and itinerary planning efforts.
Assist with on-the-ground coordination and hosting during media visits, press trips, and tourism industry events.
Follow up post-trip to support coverage tracking, reporting, and ongoing relationship management with media contacts.
Support Reporting, Research & Operations: Support maintenance of media coverage trackers, PR valuation reporting, and domestic/international media metrics.
Assist with maintaining media and partner databases, Salesforce entries, and reporting systems to ensure accurate tracking and organization.
Coordinate with PR agencies and tourism partners to gather research, information, and supporting materials for outreach initiatives.
Share media coverage and success stories with tourism partners to strengthen industry engagement and visibility.
Collaborate Across the Marketing and Communications Team: Provide operational and administrative support to senior PR staff and assist with broader marketing and communications departmental projects as needed.
Serve as backup support for PR team initiatives, events, and media activities during peak periods or staff absences.
Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on promoting North Carolina tourism.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and performance incentives
Hybrid work schedule
Generous time off, including 4 weeks of PTO, 9 paid holidays, 3 sick and wellness days, and 3 flex holidays
401(k) with a 5% employer match after six months
Paid parental leave, including 8 weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks of paternal leave
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA and FSA options
Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage
50K life insurance
Employee Assistance Program that covers your entire household’s wellbeing
Voluntary benefit options such as critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, life insurance and pet insurance
Corporate amenities such as paid parking, gym access and complimentary snacks