Communication Manager

Position Title: Communications Manager

Reports To: Senior Director of Marketing and Communication

Department: Concepts & Standards

Status: Exempt

Date: December 2025

Broad Functions: We are seeking an experienced, highly organized, strategic, and hands-on Communications Manager who will not only lead but actively execute communication and PR initiatives. This role requires a proactive leader who rolls up their sleeves, manages day-to-day communications efforts, and ensures every message reflects our brand’s voice and values. Experience in the hospitality industry preferred but not required. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering comprehensive communications and PR strategies that enhance our reputation, engage key stakeholders, and support business goals. The Manager will also oversee the Communications/Marketing Specialist, who will focus on social media, ensuring that all digital communications align with broader messaging objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement a holistic communications and PR strategy aligned with company objectives.

2. Take a hands-on approach in drafting and editing key communications including press releases, media statements, and executive speeches.

3. Lead media relations efforts, including pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and cultivating relationships with journalists and influencers.

4. Actively engage with media and stakeholders on a daily basis to drive results and maintain strong relationships.

5. Directly oversee crisis communications response and adapt messaging in real time as needed.

6. Manage internal communications to ensure consistent messaging and employee engagement.

7. Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to the communications team, including the Communications Associate (Social Media Specialist).

8. Ensure the Social Media Specialist's work aligns with the broader communications and PR strategy, including content calendars, messaging, and brand voice.

9. Direct content creation across multiple channels: press releases, speeches, social media, newsletters, and corporate publications.

10. Collaborate closely with marketing, product, and executive teams to implement communication plans and ensure aligned messaging and brand consistency.

11. Plan and execute media events, press conferences, and speaking engagements.

12. Monitor media coverage and industry trends to inform strategy and provide insights.

13. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to communications and public relations efforts.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications and PR, preferably in the hospitality industry.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategic communications and media relations programs.
• Experience managing crisis communications with tact and effectiveness.
• Strong network of media contacts and influencers.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing teams.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with communication and media monitoring tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater).
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Must be able to be on site for position.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee operates in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This is largely a sedentary role and requires color determination vision (no color blindness) and to sit for extended periods of time in front of the computer. This position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Some bending and/or lifting of supplies and mail in/out materials from time to time may be required.

While performing the duties of this job, the AP Coordinator is regularly required to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers. The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The associate is also occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and either lift or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.