Community Public Relations Manager

Summary:

The Community Public Relations Manager is the primary public-facing representative for Gila River Development (GRD) and its managed businesses. This role leads public relations efforts, manages GRD's marketing strategy, and strengthens communication and trust throughout the Gila River Indian Community. The Community Public Relations Manager will serve as an on-camera spokesperson, attend district meetings, participate in community events, and create culturally aligned PR and content that informs, engages, and represents the voice of the Community.

Responsibilities:

Public Relations & Media Communications:

• Serve as GRD's spokesperson for public statements, media interviews, and community updates.
• Develop and deliver press releases, media briefings, on-camera scripts, talking points, and official statements.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate messaging, and ensure communications respect GRIC cultural values and expectations.
• Attend district meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and represent GRD.
• Support crisis communication planning and response in coordination with GRD leadership.

Marketing Strategy:

• Lead and oversee GRD's social media presence across all platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube).
• Create short-form videos, reels, and community-focused digital storytelling featuring store updates, events, and staff spotlights.
• Monitor social media channels for sentiment, questions, and emerging issues; respond or escalate as appropriate.
• Develop social media calendars aligned with community events, retail promotions, and GRD public relations priorities.
• Track and evaluate social media performance metrics to guide strategy improvements.

Community Engagement & Representation:

• Attend GRIC district meetings, cultural events, community gatherings, and school functions as a representative of GRD.
• Build strong relationships across the Community to ensure GRD's communications reflect accurate information and cultural respect.
• Act as a liaison between GRD and community members to both share updates and gather feedback.

Content Creation & Storytelling:

• Produce culturally aligned PR materials including community announcements, promotional videos, interviews, and storytelling content.
• Host, narrate, or appear in videos highlighting new programs, store improvements, and GRD initiatives.
• Support photography and videography efforts by preparing scripts, coordinating participants, and presenting on camera.

Community Feedback, Insights & Reporting:

• Gather feedback from district meetings, social media engagement, and community conversations to support improvements in GRD services and communications.
• Track PR outcomes, sentiment trends, social media analytics, and media engagement metrics.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to GRD leadership.

Department Collaboration & Support:

• Manage press events, store promotions, marketing campaigns, and community outreach activities.
• Maintain a communications and social media calendar for district meetings, events, retail promotions, cultural holidays, and marketing initiatives.
• Support cross-functional projects requiring PR, community messaging, or digital communication.

Supervisor Responsibility:

Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; provides guidance and feedback for assigned staff.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public relations, communications, social media management, community outreach, marketing, or a related field.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for client meetings and events.
• Valid AZ driver's license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrolled Member of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC).
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, or related field.
• Strong public speaking and on-camera communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating engaging and culturally aligned PR and digital content.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong connection to the GRIC community and understanding of district structures.
• Ability to attend district meetings, community events, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Experience working in Tribal communities, Tribal enterprises, or community-centered PR roles.
• Experience with social media analytics, reporting, and optimization.
• Knowledge and experience working with Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities.
• Proficient in MS office and other relevant workplace tools.