Director of Communications

Visit Overland Park is seeking a dynamic communications leader to serve as Director of Communications. This integral position will lead and manage all communication efforts for Visit Overland Park driving both proactive and reactive media outreach advancing industry advocacy supporting government affairs communication and developing cohesive community messaging. As the primary public relations liaison for their 35 partner hotels and the broader hospitality industry this position plays a key role in strengthening relationships and amplifying the impact of the visitor economy. The ideal candidate will proudly represent the destination management organization (DMO) throughout the community and within industry organizations championing the value importance and economic influence of the hospitality sector; highlighting Visit Overland Parks vital role in supporting the local community.

As the Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMO) for Overland Park Kansas; Visit Overland Park inspires visitors to stay shop dine meet and play at local hotels businesses and attractions. They are a dedicated team of professionals incorporating targeted advertising and marketing programs to build the image of Overland Park as a travel destination.

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Director of Marketing; responsibilities include the following key areas:

• Design and execute Visit Overland Parks communication and media strategies to position the destination to key audiences advance the DMOs mission and maintain a consistent positive brand image.
• Craft compelling messaging to promote Overland Park as a premier destination for leisure travel sports tourism and meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media at local regional national and international levels across consumer trade and industry sectors.
• Produce press releases media advisories story pitches and multimedia content to drive coverage of Overland Park events attractions and initiatives.
• Implement a brand-journalism approach creating concise engaging and SEO-optimized press content that integrates influencer outreach and multimedia elements.
• Manage an up-to-date online newsroom press kit and crisis communication materials.
• Identify and target high-value media through research database management editorial calendars and publication profiling.
• Plan and lead media events press/familiarization tours and PR campaigns highlighting Overland Parks appeal for sports conventions and family leisure travel.
• Represent Visit Overland Park with a professional polished presence when engaging with city officials stakeholders industry partners and the public.
• Serve as the DMO liaison to organizations such as Kansas Tourism PRSA Destinations International and the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.
• Identify and coordinate speaking opportunities for Visit Overland Park leaders to elevate organizational visibility and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing to strengthen the destinations brand and ensure PR alignment with broader marketing strategies.
• Track measure and report PR performance including media coverage impressions and advertising value.
• Maintain a long-range PR and events calendar.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the President & CEO to support organizational reputation and advocacy.

• Bachelors degree in communications public relations journalism marketing or a related field.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations communications marketing or journalism is required.
• Hospitality and/or DMO industry knowledge preferred.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential is preferred.
• Knowledge of media production and communication processes including multiple ways to inform and engage audiences via written oral and visual channels.
• Skilled in media pitching journalism principles and public relations.
• Expertise in developing and executing effective targeted and timely social media and media outreach plans; ability to coordinate and collaborate social media strategies with internal Marketing and Social media team.
• Knowledge and awareness of emerging platforms and technologies trends and best practices.
• Strong writing skills sharing clear concise and engaging communications.
• Creative thinker with a results-driven mindset.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism confidentiality and effective interpersonal skills internally and externally.
• Knowledge of Overland Park and the citys attractions is a plus.

Benefits & Perks:

The Visit Overland Park team is highly collaborative and follow the values of: Passion for the Overland Park community; Transparency in research and insights; Collaboration with community stakeholders; Innovation in practicing the latest destination promotion methods ideas and products; Stewardship to balance economic development sustainable tourism and quality of life for residents and businesses of Overland Park.

Visit Overland Park offers a highly competitive benefits package which includes ongoing industry training 100% employer paid health benefits retirement contribution and a flexible office first culture with team gatherings at their entertainment district office.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal.

Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan Practice Leader Senior Search Consultant

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.