This Position is for a PR & Social Media Producer with a work location in Gulfport, MS.

JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:

The PR & Social Media Producer is responsible for developing and implementing earned media initiatives to build awareness, consideration, preference, and loyalty for the company among its target audiences.   In this role, the Producer will be responsible for maintaining and building a positive public image for the company, which includes clear communication of the company's point of view on various issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages the Community Engagement Department, this includes developing and managing the company's earned media content calendar, coordinating brand communications, social media posts and PR activities.

Develops PR campaigns, goals, strategies, tactics, and timing to achieve the company's communications goals and objectives, including establishing, building and maintaining relationships with its internal and external audiences, as well as monitoring and reporting on campaign results.

Partners with and supports the internal communications needs of other marketing and corporate departments (i.e. Investor Relations, Corporate Communications) to promote key initiatives. This may include the creation of motivational videos, the creation of presentations, writing of speeches for key executives, or the production of other communications materials to help educate or persuade audiences.

Serves as a strategic advisor for senior leadership and market leaders around Public Relations' strategies and message content; shares best practices for building relationships with thought leaders to increase brand awareness.

Prepares and publishes content for blogs, newsletters and other company communications vehicles with a keen understanding of how content structure impacts SEO and social shareability; creates content for PR materials including press releases, media kits, byline articles, and related communication materials.

Develops and manages the company's Crisis Communications program, which includes monitoring and responding to media queries and/or developing or issuing proactive or reactive official company statements.

Leverages and maintains existing relationships with local media and government officials; cultivates new contacts within industry businesses and applicable media sources.

Maintains a keen understanding of industry trends affecting clients and makes appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them.

Serves as the key liaison with the company's external Public Relations agencies, ensuring the company is effectively leveraging the agency's capabilities to generate brand awareness in the form of publicity and related market opportunities -- ultimately responsible for ensuring the company receives a return on its marketing investment with the agency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Mass Communications or a related discipline is mandatory; Master's degree preferred.

10+ years of experience in social media and/or public relations, including five years of management experience.

Regulated industry (i.e. Financial Services, Healthcare, Gaming, etc.) experience strongly preferred, but not required.

Experience working for or with a publicly-traded company.

Proven track record designing and executing successful earned media campaigns at both a local and regional level.

Strong relationships with both local and national business and industry media outlets.

Experience in acting as a company spokesperson; comfortable and skilled in both broadcast and print media interviews.

Exceptional writing and editing skills.

Demonstrated experience with social media including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.  Please cite specific examples of corporate and/or personal metrics.

Proficient in AP writing style.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.

Ability to operate a keyboard if required to perform the essential job functions.

Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.

Ability to travel if required performing the essential job functions.

Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 25 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions.  If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an "undue hardship" then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability or history of disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, disabled veteran, or other protected characteristics as required by federal, state and local laws.