Media & External Affairs Specialist

Department: Marketing & Communications / SSD & Foundation

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communications

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends

Job Summary

The Media & External Affairs Specialist supports the development and delivery of internal and external communications for the Tampa Downtown Partnership and its Special Services District. This role is central to executing media strategies, producing compelling written content, coordinating earned and paid media efforts, and maintaining consistent brand messaging across platforms. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, media-savvy, detail-oriented, and able to serve as a professional representative of the organization, including acting as a secondary spokesperson when needed. 

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations & Public Outreach 

• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points and event scripts 
• Cultivate and maintain media lists (including research and bios) and relationships with local and regional journalists and key stakeholders 
• Assist with media outreach, event coverage, and responses to inquiries; serve as secondary spokesperson when appropriate 
• Coordinate with PR consultants and the Director to support public affairs and crisis communications strategies 
• Use media monitoring software to track media mentions and develop reports 

Advertising & Media Placement 

• Plan and execute paid media placements across print, radio, digital, outdoor, and social channels 
• Manage ad calendars, coordinate materials, and track campaigns 
• Coordinate media buying with agencies, consultants, and publishers 
• Evaluate placement performance and make recommendations for optimization 

Content Development & Copywriting 

• Write, edit, and format copy for letters, reports, op-eds, print collateral, and stakeholder communications 
• Work across departments to source stories, develop engaging narratives, and highlight the impact of programs and initiatives 
• Ensure message alignment and consistency with the organization’s voice and branding 

Support for Digital & Visual Content 

• Assist in developing and scheduling social media posts in collaboration with the Digital Marketing Coordinator as needed. 
• Support visual content creation through coordination with designers, photographers, influencers and videographers 
• Help maintain consistency in visual branding and assist with promotional merchandise as needed 

General Communications Support 

• Assist with day-of event support, communications, etc. 
• Contribute to e-newsletter and email marketing efforts as needed 
• Provide backup support for website content updates and management as needed 

Required Education, Experience and Competencies 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field 
• 2–4 years of professional experience in media relations, copywriting, or advertising placement (nonprofit or civic organization experience a plus) 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong editorial judgment and proofreading ability 
• Demonstrated experience managing paid media or ad campaigns across multiple channels 
• Comfortable serving as a public-facing representative and speaking with media when needed 
• Organized, deadline-driven, and attentive to detail 
• Familiarity with tools such as Constant Contact, WordPress/Squarespace, Critical Mention, Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus 
• Knowledge of Tampa’s Downtown, urban planning, or placemaking a plus 

About the Partnership

Vision 

Tampa Downtown Partnership is the leader in fostering a vibrant, diverse, 24-hour Downtown in which to live, work, play, and learn. 

Mission 

Tampa Downtown Partnership champions the vitality and growth of Downtown - convening stakeholders, embracing innovation, and fostering thriving Downtown neighborhoods. 

Our Values 

• Innovation - We embrace creativity and forward-thinking solutions. 
• Operational Excellence - We are committed to delivering high-quality services an initiatives that enhance Downtown. 
• Collaboration - We foster strong relationships to drive economic and community growth. 
• Inclusivity -We champion an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming Downtown. 
• Integrity -We operate with accountability, responsibility, and a commitment to delivering measurable impact. 

The Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District program through an annual contract with the City of Tampa. Through the Special Services District program, the Partnership works to promote the Downtown experience through a multitude of initiatives such as marketing, business development, transportation, planning and beautification, as well as maintenance and safety with Tampa’s Downtown Ambassadors and Clean Team. The Partnership also works with numerous agencies to identify opportunities and facilitate opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and strategic planning for issues related to Tampa’s Downtown. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Partnership to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, disability/handicap, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, citizenship status, service member status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, national origin, genetic information, or any other category protected by law in all employment practices 

Additional Compensation 

Fully paid Health and Dental Benefits 

Life Insurance 

Matching 401K 

Paid Personal Time Off/Comp Time 

Commuter Transportation Allowance 

www.tampasdowntown.com