Communications Director, Explore Steuben

The Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau (SCCVB), marketing as Explore Steuben, is the official tourism marketing organization for Steuben County, NY. The SCCVB is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit, non-membership organization governed by a Board of Directors that works closely with State, Regional, and local Tourism and Economic Development Offices, and Steuben County businesses. The SCCVB tells the destination’s story in a strategic and research-based approach to increase accommodation occupancy and tourism expenditures within Steuben County, NY.  

The SCCVB’s mission is to stimulate the tourism economy through authentic storytelling, supporting and developing destination amenities, and connecting visitors to Steuben County as a travel destination.   

The SCCVB markets Steuben County to a global audience as a premier travel destination, making a significant impact on the quality of life and well-being of our community. The continued growth of Steuben County’s tourism industry is essential to the economic stability of those who live and work here.  We believe in the power of social and digital media to tell our story and connect with audiences worldwide. 

We’re Hiring: Communications Director
Full-Time | Salaried | $60K–$80K + benefits

What if your job was to tell the story of a place— and help shape its future?

At Explore Steuben, we believe tourism is more than marketing.

• It’s storytelling.
• It’s relationship-building.
• It’s creating pride of place and economic opportunity for the people who live here.

We’re looking for a Communications Director who knows how to turn real places, real people, and real moments into stories that travel across screens, pages, and platforms.

About Us

Explore Steuben is the official destination marketing organization for Steuben County, New York. We work at the intersection of creativity, community, and economic development—sharing authentic stories that invite visitors in while strengthening the quality of life for residents.
If you believe great storytelling can move people and places forward, you’ll feel at home here.

The Role

As Communications Director, you’ll lead our earned media, storytelling, and public-facing communications—helping shape how Steuben County is seen locally, nationally, and beyond.

You’ll work closely with tourism partners, creatives, media, and our internal team to elevate stories through:

• Editorial coverage
• Media relationships
• Thoughtful, well-crafted content
• Compelling photography and video
• This is a creative, outward-facing role for someone who loves
• building relationships, spotting a great story, and bringing it to life.

What You’ll Do

• Pitch and secure media coverage in print, broadcast, and digital outlets
• Build meaningful relationships with travel writers, editors, influencers, and partners
• Tell the stories of our communities, experiences, and people through blogs, press, and features.
• Host media visits and help writers experience the destination firsthand
• Lead storytelling efforts across ExploreSteuben.com and earned media channels
• Collaborate on signature publications like the Steuben County Travel Guide and Wine Guide
• Track results, measure impact, and continuously refine our approach

Who You Are

• A strong writer who knows how to shift voice and tone with intention
• A natural connector—comfortable reaching out, following up, and building trust
• Curious, creative, and grounded in strategy
• Organized enough to manage deadlines, flexible enough to roll with opportunity
• Passionate about place, storytelling, and community impact
• Tourism or destination experience is a plus—but not required. If you know how to tell a story that resonates, we want to hear from you.

The Details

• Salary: $60,000–$80,000 (based on experience)
• Full-time, salaried (generally 40 hours/week)
• Occasional evenings/weekends for events (with advance notice + comp time)
• Minimal travel (less than 10 days per year)
• Benefits include PTO, paid holidays, health & dental, 401(k), and a flexible work environment

Why This Matters

The stories you help tell will support local businesses, strengthen our economy, and shape how people experience Steuben County—both visitors and residents. This isn’t just a communications job. It’s a chance to help define a destination.

Visit the following link for the full job description.

Communications Director, Explore Steuben

• Minimum bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or related field. 
• Five years' experience in public relations preferred, but not required. 
• Strong writing and proof-reading skills. 
• Ability to write in different “voices.” 
• Accuracy, strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to work in a timely manner and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with people, including the media, at all levels. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Ability to accept constructive feedback.
• Ability to work weekends and/or evenings as needed.    
• Ability to travel out of town as needed. 
• Solid knowledge of area attractions and facilities. 
• Knowledge of marketing and promotion practices.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database systems, social media platforms, and web-based tools.
• Must be a strong relationship builder with creative thought process. 
• Positive attitude, dynamic personality and self-motivator required. 
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Travel in and around Steuben County will be required regularly.   

Send your resume and why you are interested to kpeterson@exploresteuben.com.