Sr. Manager, Communications - Breckenridge & Keystone Resorts (Breckenridge, CO, US)

Vail Resorts•Breckenridge, CO

51d•Onsite

About The Position

Vail Resorts is the world's leading mountain resort operator, with 42 resorts in 16 states and four countries. The Communications Team is responsible for protecting and promoting Vail Resorts and its values; each of our world-class resorts; and the product that provides guests with unrivaled access to all of them - the Epic Pass. Our resort-based communications teams manage strategic communications, PR, content, and social media. Based at Breckenridge Ski Resort and reporting to the Sr. Director of Communications - Destination + Europe, the Senior Manager of Communications - Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort role is responsible for leading the Communications Teams across Breckenridge and Keystone. This communications professional will be equally experienced at driving strategic storytelling using a range of channels, navigating crises effectively and professionally. Overseeing a team of four communications and content/social media professionals, the Senior Manager will be responsible for all external communications efforts for the resorts, including media relations, media hosting, issues management, strategic messaging with resort and community relations stakeholders, social media, content capture, and storytelling. This person may also act as a spokesperson on behalf of the resorts and the company. The Senior Manager will need to excel in working with geographically dispersed teammates, managing a complex network of stakeholders, leading creative + proactive storytelling initiatives/efforts, and juggling a variety of business-critical work streams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications, PR or Marketing
7+ years of experience in an external communications or PR role
On-site presence required at Breckenridge Ski Resort, most importantly during the ski and ride season
Strong leader and manager with a drive to develop talent
Excellent writer able to draft nuanced communications on a variety of topics
Builds on strategic and innovative thoughts/ideas
Can seamlessly execute on multiple overlapping projects at once
Self-starter who can adapt to change and effectively navigate through ambiguity; decides and acts without having the picture totally defined; appropriately changes strategy in response to new information
Drives for results - makes things happen and conveys a sense of urgency
Experience with all forms of external communications channels, especially news media and social media
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including ability to work with people from various cultures and areas of the business; builds and maintains highly effective working relationships internally and externally
Team player - strives for collective success
Some travel may be required

Responsibilities

Act as spokesperson for Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort, as needed.
Manage external communications for the resorts, including crisis and issues management, mitigating and minimizing risk.
Develop a strategic and proactive communications and media relations plan to promote the resorts with guests and secure high-funnel and targeted media coverage.
Develop and execute thoughtful and impactful media relations strategies.
Assess, manage and execute the hosting of media and social media influencers at the resorts, including creating itineraries, ideating story angles and pitches, hosting on the ground, and creating media moments to secure earned coverage.
Develop media tools including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, scripts, coverage tracking and other.
Build and maintain critical relationships with and serve as the key communications resource for the resorts' GM/COOs and Senior Leadership Teams (as appropriate), and develop strategic messaging that supports their goals internally and externally.
Utilize strong storytelling skills to bring the resort brand to life across a variety of platforms and mediums.
Be out front in managing issues and meeting needs of various stakeholders.
Oversee all resort social media channels, leading a team to build out a content production calendar, capture and share authentic and engaging content with guests, and lead effective community management of social channels.
Manage external contractor relationships, contracts, and work product.
Manage resort communications budgets.
Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the region.
Lead the Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort Comms Team in creating a positive, proactive working environment.
Work closely the Destination and full Vail Resorts Communications Team, along with Resort Marketing, to ensure brilliant execution of corporate and resort strategies.

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
Referral Program
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

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume