Communications Manager, Global Media Relations; Brand Comms

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:
As a leading mountain resort operator with 42 resorts in fifteen states and four countries,Vail Resorts is on a mission to create an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests.The Communications Team manages strategic communications, PR, content creation, influencer and social media to promote 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. We are looking for leaders, innovators, creators, and ambitious professionals to join our talented team. 
 
This Communications Manager will be responsible for working with media and agencies to proactively promote Vail Resorts’ portfolio of resorts across North America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Epic Pass. This position will report to the Director of Global Media Relations and play an integral role in the ideation, development and implementation of the company’s  earned media strategy. 

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $61,286.70 - $90,000 + annual bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time
  
  

Job Responsibilities :

• Responsible for proactive and reactive media relations and public relations campaigns for Vail Resorts’ Mountain destinations and Epic Pass
• Support earned media efforts and holistic storytelling for a variety of lines of business including Epic Pass, Epic Australia Pass, Hospitality, Ski and Ride School, Food & Beverage, My Epic Gear and more
• Create compelling story angles to proactively pitch to a variety of media, from traditional print and broadcast to online and emerging channels to generate coverage; manage external-facing communications materials including press releases, pitches, fact sheets, talking points, media backgrounders and more
• Support Enterprise Media Hosting, offering journalists curated, first-hand experiences across the mountain resort portfolio to facilitate in-depth storytelling
• Perform competitive analysis, industry research, and continually assess and implement best practices and KPIs in a consistently changing landscape
• Manage and maintain positive stakeholder relationships internally and externally, including helping to manage Public Relations agencies in national and international markets
• Work with internal teams to support cross-functional projects including close collaboration with the full communications team to stay updated on upcoming news, media hosting, and more for streamlined and strategic media relations efforts
• Cultivate relationships with key national and international media to maximize story opportunities
• Assist with the coordination of national and international media tours and facilitate interviews with functional experts, providing appropriate messaging and preparation
• Develop, monitor, track and analyze appropriate metrics to evaluate external communications performance; effectively help support this analysis to key stakeholders and proactively develop strategic recommendations for adjusting future efforts based on those results.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• 5+ years of public relations experience in related field required; PR agency experience preferred  
• 1+ years of affiliate marketing experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of current earned media best practices, tools and analytics
• Established media relationships to leverage on behalf of the company with proven track-record of securing media coverage
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with knowledge of AP style
• Ability to organize details and complete projects in a timely manner