Jay Ehrhart
Cirencester
Summary
Media relations manager with expertise in public speaking, crisis communication, and digital content creation. Strong written and verbal communication skills complemented by effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Proven success in event planning, budget management, and team leadership. Focused on driving impactful media strategies and enhancing public relations outcomes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Journalist - Lead Writer
Cayman Independent
George Town, Cayman Islands
2025.04 - 2026.02
- Led daily news coverage focused on financial services, business, national policy, community affairs, and entertainment industry.
- Conducted interviews with key figures, securing exclusive access to breaking stories.
- Cultivated strong connections with community leaders and industry insiders for enhanced sourcing.
- Worked under pressure during crisis situations, ensured accurate coverage.
- Incorporated SEO strategies into digital content creation, optimised web visibility.
General Manager / Executive Director
Cayman Islands Tourism Association
George Town, Cayman Islands
2019.11 - 2024.08
- Collaborated with government officials and industry professionals to advance tourism development.
- Managed budgets and prepared financial reports to ensure responsible resource utilisation.
- Organised and led fundraising initiatives, including major events like Taste of Cayman.
- Handled contracts and official documents for organisational compliance.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Managed key stakeholder relationships for smoother project completion.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
Public Relations Officer
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
George Town, Cayman Islands
2014.07 - 2019.10
- Wrote and distributed news releases and internal communications.
- Monitored media coverage and managed relationships with journalists and influencers.
- Strategically placed stories in relevant publications; gained extensive media coverage.
- Wrote executive-level speeches for media interviews.
- Managed crisis communication, minimising damage to company's public image.
- Planned and executed itineraries for visiting journalists.
- Led multi-channel PR campaigns for increased audience engagement.
News Director
Radio Cayman
George Town, Cayman Islands
1997.04 - 2014.06
- Researched, wrote, and reported news in a fast-paced environment.
- Managed a team of news editors, ensuring quality journalism and on-time reporting.
- Maintained relationships with community leaders and government agencies.
- Coordinated live on-air reports, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
- Developed social media content and provided live coverage of major events.
- Streamlined workflow processes, improving efficiency in the newsroom.
- Maintained ethical standards in reporting for responsible journalism.
Education
Diploma - Public Relations
College of Media and Publishing
Associate Degree - Mass Communications
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA 1987.09 - 1989.06
Skills
- Media relations management
- Public speaking
- Exemplary written and verbal communication
- Crisis Communication
- Social Media and Digital Content Creation
- Problem-Solving and Decision Making
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Budget Management
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
Personal Information
- British
- US National
- Nationality: British and US National
- Visa status: British and US National
Timeline
Journalist - Lead Writer
Cayman Independent
2025.04 - 2026.02
General Manager / Executive Director
Cayman Islands Tourism Association
2019.11 - 2024.08
Public Relations Officer
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
2014.07 - 2019.10
News Director
Radio Cayman
1997.04 - 2014.06
Associate Degree - Mass Communications
St. Petersburg College
1987.09 - 1989.06
Diploma - Public Relations
College of Media and Publishing