Description:
Los Angeles Tourism is seeking a strategic, media-savvy communications professional to lead public relations efforts across key Asia-Pacific markets: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea. Based in Sydney, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape how Los Angeles is represented to travelers in the region through earned media, brand storytelling, and local market activations.
You'll work closely with PR agencies, industry partners, and cross-functional teams to bring LA’s dynamic travel experiences to life—both in-market and on the ground. From overseeing media campaigns and FAMs to contributing to global communications strategy, this role is both hands-on and high-impact. Ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, spotting media trends, and finding creative ways to inspire visitation, this is a key role on a lean and collaborative team with visibility across the global organization.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Communications Strategy: Develop, oversee, and manage public relations and communications efforts in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea. This includes but not limited to implementing the new strategic communications point-scoring system, establishing baseline performance, and delivery against future fiscal year scorecard goals. Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, authored articles, pitch notes, briefing documents, and media advisories that align with Los Angeles Tourism’s messaging strategies and resonate across all four APAC markets (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea). Build and maintain strong relationships with local and national media in market. Share regular updates with both the Managing Director and the SVP, Global Communications to drive visitation intent and bookings to Los Angeles. (25%)
- Communications Thought Leadership: Independently develop and execute public relations campaigns that support the overall marketing objectives in the APAC region. Identify and act on emerging trends, creative storytelling opportunities, and innovative ways to position Los Angeles as a premiere travel destination. (20%)
- Agency Management: Oversee the work of public relations agencies in both Japan and Korea. Ensure the consistent alignment with global messaging strategies developed by Los Angeles Tourism HQ. Manage agency performance goals and budgets. (20%)
- Creative Events & Activations: Lead the planning and execution of in-market media events, group media familiarization trips to Los Angeles, influencer engagements, and destination showcases. (15%)
- Leveraging Partnership Opportunities: Develop close working relationships with communication counterparts at Visit California and Brand USA. Cultivate and leverage relationships with airline partners, consulates, embassies, cultural institutions, and travel trade media to amplify key messaging for Los Angeles. (10%)
- Crisis Management: Serve as the point person for crisis communications, under the direction of the Managing Director, APAC, and the SVP of Global Communications. (5%)
- Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED
- Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license and be able to drive a vehicle for work-related travel as needed and as applicable to the position.
- A minimum of 6-8 years relevant experience is required.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively under tight timelines.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for storytelling that engages diverse audiences.
- Ability to speak comfortably and confidently in front of large groups.
- General understanding of the media landscape in Australia and New Zealand.
- Experience managing events and coordinating press trips.
- Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Dependable, great attitude, highly motivated, and a team player.
- Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and meet multiple deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively across various departments.
- Ability to work in a changing environment.
NICE TO HAVES
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.