Public Relations Manager

Overview The Public Relations Manager at Big Sky Resort is a key leadership role on the resort marketing team, reporting to the VP of Sales & Marketing. This position serves as the primary spokesperson for the resort and is responsible for developing and implementing media relations strategies that align with and support the resort's overall business objectives. We are seeking a strategic thinker with exceptional writing skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously. They will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and industry-specific media outlets, while developing compelling press materials and ensuring consistent messaging across all resort initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for mountain recreation, along with experience in public relations and reputation management. Responsibilities Strategic Communications: Develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies to enhance Big Sky Resort's reputation, aligning with overall business objectives and brand positioning. Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers in the travel, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries. Content Creation: Craft compelling press releases, statements, and other PR materials that effectively communicate Big Sky Resort's offerings, achievements, and initiatives. Event Planning: Organize and oversee press events and media tours to showcase the resort's new initiatives and generate positive publicity. Brand Monitoring: Continuously monitor and analyze media coverage, public sentiment, and industry trends to inform PR strategies. Measurement and Reporting: Develop and track key performance indicators for PR activities, providing regular reports and insights to the marketing team and leadership on the effectiveness of communications strategies. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with local community leaders and other key stakeholders, staying current on community issues that impact the resort. Industry Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with tourism boards and other industry organizations to enhance the resort's visibility and influence within the sector. Internal Communications: Collaborate with HR and leadership to develop and implement effective internal communications, ensuring team members are well-informed and aligned with the resort's goals. Crisis Management: Lead crisis communications efforts, developing response plans and managing public messaging during critical situations to protect the resort's reputation. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure consistent messaging and maximize the impact of PR efforts across all resort initiatives. Qualifications Bachelor's degree, preferably in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field. 3+ years of experience in public relations, preferably in the ski resort, outdoor recreation, or hospitality industry. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies and campaigns. Strong media relations skills with a proven track record of securing positive media coverage. Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience crafting press releases, pitches, and other PR materials. Experience in crisis communication and reputation management. Knowledge of current PR trends, best practices, and measurement tools. Familiarity with PR software and tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater). Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and stakeholders. Experience in event planning and management, particularly for press events and media tours. Intermediate to expert skiing or snowboarding ability. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, especially during peak ski season. Passion for skiing, snowboarding, or mountain recreation. Additional Information & Benefits The salary range for this position is $70k-$80k annually. This role is eligible for bonus. Full Health Plan with Company HSA Match 401(k) Plan with performance-based company match Flexible Paid Time Off Cell Phone Service Allowance Employee Ski and Summer and Dependent Passes Other company perks Strategic Communications: Develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies to enhance Big Sky Resort's reputation, aligning with overall business objectives and brand positioning. Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers in the travel, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries. Content Creation: Craft compelling press releases, statements, and other PR materials that effectively communicate Big Sky Resort's offerings, achievements, and initiatives. Event Planning: Organize and oversee press events and media tours to showcase the resort's new initiatives and generate positive publicity. Brand Monitoring: Continuously monitor and analyze media coverage, public sentiment, and industry trends to inform PR strategies. Measurement and Reporting: Develop and track key performance indicators for PR activities, providing regular reports and insights to the marketing team and leadership on the effectiveness of communications strategies. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with local community leaders and other key stakeholders, staying current on community issues that impact the resort. Industry Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with tourism boards and other industry organizations to enhance the resort's visibility and influence within the sector. Internal Communications: Collaborate with HR and leadership to develop and implement effective internal communications, ensuring team members are well-informed and aligned with the resort's goals. Crisis Management: Lead crisis communications efforts, developing response plans and managing public messaging during critical situations to protect the resort's reputation. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure consistent messaging and maximize the impact of PR efforts across all resort initiatives.Bachelor's degree, preferably in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field. 3+ years of experience in public relations, preferably in the ski resort, outdoor recreation, or hospitality industry. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies and campaigns. Strong media relations skills with a proven track record of securing positive media coverage. Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience crafting press releases, pitches, and other PR materials. Experience in crisis communication and reputation management. Knowledge of current PR trends, best practices, and measurement tools. Familiarity with PR software and tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater). Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and stakeholders. Experience in event planning and management, particularly for press events and media tours. Intermediate to expert skiing or snowboarding ability. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, especially during peak ski season. Passion for skiing, snowboarding, or mountain recreation. Additional Information & Benefits The salary range for this position is $70k-$80k annually. This role is eligible for bonus. Full Health Plan with Company HSA Match 401(k) Plan with performance-based company match Flexible Paid Time Off Cell Phone Service Allowance Employee Ski and Summer and Dependent Passes Other company perks