Public Relations Manager

Job Summary .
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for executing public relations initiatives that firmly position The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue as New York’s leading luxury hotel. The Marketing Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining Public Relations strategies to meet objectives and enhance the image of the hotel. Supports Director of Sales and Marketing in the conceptualization and execution of a comprehensive and strategic marketing and public relations plan to build awareness of the hotel on a local, national and international level for all room segments and programming initiatives. Provides support on multiple marketing initiatives including but not limited to collateral development, partnership development, data base and website management, social networking initiatives and direct marketing.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:

• Develops external public relations strategy and initiatives that enhance the public image of The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue. Serves as agency’s partner on execution of this plan.
• Establish professional relationships with local and national media to gain cooperation and immediate respect as a source of reliable, newsworthy information.
• Initiate and write creative pitches to attract publication interest.
• Integrate social media platform content with public relations activities to ensure reputation management and demonstrate TLNYC innovation.
• Communicate effectively with celebrities, business community, press, heads-of-state and royalty.
• Spearhead public relations agency efforts in the production and distribution of creative media releases, media familiarization visits, media kits, and special event management.
• Follow-up with media as necessary.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with key media players and the travel industry to achieve the goals of the hotel.
• Identify opportunities for media coverage and ensure that such angles are pitched to reporters and editors to increase Langham’s visibility in print, broadcast and online news outlets on the local, national and international levels.
• Develop and direct internal communications program through effective and timely communications with all Langham New York employees and Langham Hotels’ employees.
• Develop and oversee strategic social media plan (integrate with marketing initiatives, respond to social media reviews, etc.)
• Coordinate photo and video shoots to support public relations/social media initiatives.
• Maximize opportunities for publicity in all media, highlighting the differentiators of The Langham, New York experience.
• Make appointments and travel as needed to meet media and press contacts.
• Consult with marketing and sales to develop communication strategies that support guest retention, generate revenue and increase brand loyalty.
• Entertain on-property to ensure a Langham experience is enjoyed in the food and beverage outlets and spa.
• Serve as the primary Langham, New York media spokesperson, or designate a department person to act in this capacity.
• Position employee, management and other spokespersons to be a resource for media and prepare them for print and broadcast interviews.
• Present opportunities for corporate sponsorships, charitable efforts and partnerships to Manager of Marketing and ultimately write proposals, and coordinate program implementation.
• Build and network community relations by attending receptions, dinners and galas, serve on selected organizations and committees as needed and perform other duties as may be assigned by Manager of Sales and Marketing.
• Help develop and plan events with potential for external publicity.
• Serve as a member of the crisis communications team.
• Conduct research to keep department abreast of developments and trends in the media.
• Write and serve as editor for a variety of print and web communications for internal and external audiences including press releases, annual reports, executive speeches, internal publications and ensuring that all materials are reflective of The Langham brand.
• Plan, facilitate and execute media events, trips and appointments both at The Langham, New York and off-property.
• All other responsibilities assigned by management.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all hotel services/features and hours of operation.
• Identify, create and lead unique public relations activities with goal of achieving “best practice” recognition within LHG.
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all hotel and departmental policies and procedures.
• Access all functions of computer according to specifications with an emphasis on Microsoft Word and Windows applications.
• Promote positive relations with guests and employees.
• Maintain high level of knowledge in reference to The Langham product.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of the competition's product.
• Maintain good relationships with counterparts at competing hotels; promote all Langham Hotels whenever possible.
• Design and work within market plan; maintain file database.
• Administer staff performance reviews on a timely basis.
• Ensure financial success of hotel by overseeing PR expenses and ensuring that special events deliver an appropriate ROI for hotel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting occurs approximately 50% of the time. Employee may sit up to 5 hours a day. 50% of tasks may be performed from a non-seated position. These tasks may include touring the hotel and traveling to and from meetings. These and other tasks require sitting, standing, walking, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling and grasping. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
Requirement .
SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• College degree recommended. Concentration in Marketing, Business or Communications preferred.
• Strong writing skills with mastery of punctuation, grammar and sentence structure.
• Imaginative mind to create distinct hotel press pitches that distinguish Langham New York from other hotels.
• Ideal candidate will possess strong relationships with key members of the media, civic, arts and philanthropic community and have a proven track record of successful publicity campaigns and media relations initiatives.
• Ability to prioritize, organize work assignments and follow-up. Execute a multitude of tasks in a timely basis.
• Ability to promote positive relationships with guests and staff.
• Ability to perform job function with minimal supervision even under pressure.
• Ability to ensure security and confidentiality of guests and hotel data.
• Ability to enforce hotel's quality procedures, etc.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision or cohesively as a team.
• Ability to be a clear thinker, analyze and resolve problems exercising good judgment.
• Ability to input and access information into a computer.
• Ability to remain calm and courteous with demanding/difficult situations.
• Ability to work long hours, 5-6 days a week.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interface confidently with high profile customers and media.
• Extremely detail-oriented task mastering abilities.
• All other responsibilities assigned by management.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred; however, any combination of education and training within hotel sales may also be considered.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

A minimum of 3-5 years in sales and marketing with direct experience in public relations and/or marketing.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

None needed.

Salary range: $83-87k

EOE, including disability/vets
Terms of employment . Full time