Public Relations Specialist, Luxury & Lifestyle AMER

Role Purpose

The PR Specialist, Luxury & Lifestyle Tiered Services is responsible for the execution of an integrated strategic public relations plan for hotels within the Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. This position will work under a Senior Manager, LLTS PR to develop, implement, and bring maximized visibility in print, broadcast, and online media on a national, regional and local level to participating hotels. The specialist will also serve as a bridge to bring brand campaigns to life in the field and trend-leading field examples to the brand. Candidates must have strong writing skills, think creatively, and have a knack for organization/managing multiple accounts simultaneously. In-house or agency experience necessary, hospitality experience preferred, but not mandatory. Must be based in South Florida. 

Key Accountabilities

• Execute public relations strategies, projects and events to drive awareness, reputation and revenue for IHG Luxury & Lifestyle hotels, restaurants & bars utilizing IHG’s tiered services public relations (LLTS PR) offer. 

• Manage a portfolio of internal accounts and service the properties based on their level of tiered service for public relations, this includes but is not limited to the following: 

• Manage earned media strategy, shaping insights for biannual PR plans, managing relationships with the RDOs, GMs, and chefs, and driving media results. 

• Plan and lead regular PR calls/meetings to discuss PR plans and strategize for months ahead. 

• Establish and continually maintain positive and productive professional relationships with members of the news media, with a focus on regional and local press. 

• Oversee media communications including press release direction and editing, pitch strategies, trend opportunities, award submissions and media planning calendars. 

• Develop strategies with property leadership regarding property and community communications to ensure PR efforts reflect both property and brandwide goals. 

• Manage monitoring of press clips and media trends. Prepare monthly media coverage and quarterly analytics reports, as applicable. 

• Develop relationships with community and philanthropic organizations that align with individual brands; recommend participation in key charitable events. 

• Establish and maintain productive professional relationships with members of the media, including local, regional, trade and select national outlets, as well as content creators/influencers on social media. Pursue best practices regarding media/deskside visits, journalist dining, information requests and cultivation of new contacts. 

• Research, pitch and place favorable stories for properties -- including the people, programs, practices and events within the portfolio. Work closely with related disciplines such as marketing and sales to ensure maximum economic impact. 

• Collaborate with IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Americas brand PR and partnerships team to bring select partnerships to life at LLTS PR properties. 

• Support the LLTS PR team with managerial duties such as media monitoring, media list building and meeting agendas; lead the execution of the LLTS PR team's monthly trend counsel and national media outreach in partnership with brand PR agency. 

Key Skills & Experiences

Education –

BS/BA Degree required in Marketing, Hospitality, Communications, or related field 

Experience –

4-6 years of demonstrated experience developing and implementing PR strategies and tactics; in-house or agency experience mandatory, hospitality experience preferred. 

Technical Skills and Knowledge –

• Stellar verbal and written communication skills; excellent knowledge of AP-style journalistic writing and editing practices and strong presentation skills 

• Ability to work with a geographically dispersed team as a member of the IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Americas PR team 

• Results-oriented, self-motivated, creative and possessing a sense of humor 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet multiple deadlines 

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to diplomatically prioritize requests 

• Agility and creative intellect, entrepreneurial, pragmatic and flexible in nature 

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