Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications - AZ Based - Hybrid

Oversees brand reputation, playing a critical role in developing and executing strategies to maintain and enhance the public image and reputation of BWH Hotels and its portfolio of 18 brands. Primary responsibilities will involve managing the brand's global public relations efforts, securing and monitoring media coverage, and proactively addressing issues that could impact the organization's reputation.

Essential Job Results

Strategic Communications

• Develop and Execute PR Strategy: Design and implement an external public relations strategy that aligns with the company's objectives, ensuring consistency and brand recognition across all regions, while effectively tailoring messages to resonate with both local and global audiences.
• Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists to secure positive media coverage and feature stories alongside our PR agency. Ensure key brand messages are reflected to maintain consistency with communications efforts.
• Global Integrated Campaign Planning: Partner with Brand Marketing and regional PR teams to craft integrated global go-to-market strategies and execute corresponding communications plans. Identify cultural trends, and emerging influences that pose opportunities for brand relevance and partnerships.
• Content Creation: Oversee the creation of compelling, high-quality press releases, articles and other PR materials, such as messaging documents, FAQs and press kits. Ensure effective distribution to the media and online platforms.
• Executive & Industry Communications: Collaborate with the executive team to craft compelling speeches, presentations and messages that reflect the organization's mission and vision. Attend industry trade shows with executives as needed. Oversee award submissions on behalf of the brand and the executive team.
• Crisis Management: Function as the crisis communication leader, developing proactive crisis management plans and strategies to mitigate potential reputation risks.

General Management

• Agency Management: Work with Managing Director to manage relationship with global communications agency, ensuring they deliver on their contracted services effectively and efficiently. Oversee agency budgets and performance.
• Measurement & Impact: Monitor, measure and report on the impact of PR campaigns on the company's brand reputation and take actions to protect and enhance it. Evaluate functional effectiveness tracking performance to Key Performance Indicators and business metrics.
• Budget Management: Manage the strategic communications budget effectively, ensuring a strong return on investment for strategic communications activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to foster positive relationships and cooperation.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of related professional level experience. Hospitality experience is preferred, but not required.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful communications campaigns.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Crisis management and issues resolution experience.
• Financial / budgeting acumen with financial accountability.

Attributes

Leadership/Knowledge/Collaboration/Problem Solving

• Inspire and empower direct reports, offering mentorship and guidance to foster growth and unlock their full potential.
• Strong functional and industry knowledge. Professional knowledge to meet best-in-class communications standards.
• Collaborates with cross-functional and regional teams to achieve shared goals and encourage buy-in to key concepts and methods.
• Resolves generally defined problems using complex concepts. Keen ability to achieve results based on input from varied information sources. Identifies critical needs and directs effort and resources accordingly.

Other Requirements

• You must reside in AZ and be able to work out of our headquarters office three days per week. HQ is located at 6201 North 24th Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
• This position does not provide relocation assistance.
• This job does not offer immigration sponsorship.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Benefits Summary for Full Time Employees (work 30 + hours per week)

Available Day One:

•    Medical/Dental/Vision

•    Vacation/Sick/Floating Holidays - accruals start

•    401K – company match and direct contribution

•    Employee discounts/Hotel discounts

•    Financial and health wellness programs

Equal Employment Opportunity

Best Western International, Inc. (the “Company”) maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ individuals, height, or weight, pregnancy status, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline and termination.