Senior Communications Specialist

Vail Resorts • Vail, CO

2d • $65,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Communications Specialist at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort will report to and support the Senior Communications Manager, as well as the Beaver Creek Communications Manager. This job is key to protecting and promoting the resort brands. In addition to understanding the unique brands, this position will need to have an understanding of Vail Resorts as a whole, to drive high-funnel earned media placements, and communications and content across social media platforms. This role, located in Eagle County, CO, is a vital member to the resorts’ Public Affairs team. The Senior Communications Specialist will focus on driving business for Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek, as well as Company-wide initiatives and multi-resort communications efforts. This position will assist day-to-day efforts including, but not limited to: fulfillment of media requests, media list maintenance, coverage tracking, media hosting, internal and external resort communications, social media management and creative, and issues management. The Senior Communications Specialist position requires the flexibility and desire to work in both earned and owned media, as well as the creativity to problem solve through ambiguity. This position should have a background in communications and content creation and management, but also the ability to establish and maintain relationships; knowledge of media, social media and industry trends; strong organizational skills; professional demeanor; attention to detail; critical thinking and decision-making skills; and the ability to multi-task and drive results in a fast-paced work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications or Marketing
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a communications role, preferably in the ski industry or a related Industry
• Intermediate or above skiing or snowboarding ability required
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to work autonomously and follow-through on expected duties in a timely fashion
• Ability to build internal and external relationships
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, in addition to Social Media Platforms

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Sprout Social and other social media management programs is a plus
• Content creation experience, including photo and video editing and experience with Adobe Creative Suite programs is a plus

Responsibilities

• Work with managers to handle media inquiries, pitch strategic stories, host visiting media and influencer, develop key messages, prepare spokespeople for interviews and serve as a liaison between the resort and media
• Assist in developing a strategic communications plan that supports both resorts and the Company Communications Team’s business objectives for a wide variety of stakeholders
• Utilize strong storytelling skills to bring the resort brand to life across a variety of platforms and mediums
• Organize logistics for all media and influencer visits, including the creation of itineraries that showcase the resorts and deliver on key brand messages
• Work closely with other members of the team to assist with the development and execution of the resorts’ social media strategy including: social and digital media content ideation, creation, timely posting, oversight of social media channels, effective community management and reporting
• Work with the resort Senior Content and Content Specialists to maintain a content production calendar, with an organized schedule of cadenced messaging needs, and work with Content Specialists on photo shoot and content capture plans
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships internally and externally with resort business partners, media and the community
• Assist in developing media tools such as press releases, fact sheets, talking points and media kits
• Manage and track PR and social media results
• Support multi-resort and corporate initiatives
• Assist in crisis communication scenarios
• Basic administrative duties
• On-call availability, including weekends and holidays
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior