DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS -- Hershey Entertainment & Resorts

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS--www.hersheyjobs.com
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Area
Job Description

This position is responsible for managing public relations, internal communications, corporate branding, crisis and issues management, media relations and community relations, and government relations, corporate social responsibility and social PR. A background providing counsel and support to executives and exceptional writer with excellent analytic skills is desired.

Job Functions(Items marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this position):
Direct the travel public relations effort to ensure that HE&R receives positive maximum exposure. Create a strong internal public relations team to manage long term strategy and day to day needs all in pursuit of proactive, positive public relations messaging in all key geographic and consumer markets. Geography to include: local...regional...national effort - customer targets include families, couples, women, spa goers, golfers, mature travelers, epicureans, group meeting contacts.*
Develop the annual PR plan in conjunction with each respective partner and develop the overall strategies in collaboration with marketing for each area. Hold accountable the partner for executing the plan and adjust objectives as business conditions warrant. Complete management of these relationships in the responsibility of this position*
Work in concert with the leadership across the company to support events, new attractions, renovations - anything that develops which requires creative writing and summarizing details into concise messaging - then successfully take that messaging out across a variety of environments - media channels, internal and external presentations, etc. (Press events, Rotary luncheons, company employee gatherings.)*
Develop relationships with key media decision makers - network and cable TV, radio station personnel, major market US newspapers, national consumer magazines, hospitality, travel, restaurant, lodging trade publications, special interest publications and websites, syndicates, newsletters, freelancers, small newspapers on the East Coast, publications, radio and TV outlets where Hershey, PA advertises - know the right people in order to be successful in placing positive messaging.*
Develop a team of polished, proactive public relations professionals who can represent our company with an image and messaging that develops and reinforces our corporate brand and our individual branding strategies across the operations and then ensure communications efforts are consistent with the corporate voice.*
Work with internal leadership and Hershey Interest public relations professionals and develop positive, productive working relationships which will ultimately be beneficial in pursuit of desired results.*
Develop strategic planning and execution around a unified approach to internal communications.*
Continue to incorporate crisis communications competencies within the communications team - including the ability to act as a corporate spokesperson - when required.*
Manage (with Marketing) the social PR position -and be involved in the strategic planning around that how to best manage conversations in the social media space.
Participate in strategy around our Government Relations and Community Relations efforts to maximize the company's objectives on both fronts.

Desired Skills & Experience

Basic Qualifications:
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Minimum of (5) five years of related experience in sales/marketing/public relations.
Minimum of (3) three years of supervisory experience.
Bachelor’s degree required; In lieu of a degree, (4) four years relevant work experience can be substituted.
Must possess a valid Driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications:
Experience in an Amusement Park environment helpful.
Master’s degree preferred.
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines and follow up on assignments with minimal direction or supervision.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Climbing Ladders Occasional (<33%)
Reaching Forward Occasional (<33%)
Climbing Stairs Occasional (<33%) (ft maximum height)
Lifting Occasional (<33%) (lbs maximum weight)
Reaching Overhead Occasional (<33%)
Finger Dexterity Occasional (<33%)
Hand/Eye Coordination Occasional (<33%)
Stooping Occasional (<33%)
Bending Occasional (<33%)
Sitting Frequent (34-66%)
Standing Occasional (<33%)
Walking Frequent (34-66%)

This job requires minimal visual requirements. Able to distinguish unlike items, detect motion, and distinguish color.
This job requires the visual ability to perform detailed work at close distances (computer screens, accounting ledgers, using measurement devices).
This job regularly requires verbal communication of detailed information to others either by phone or in person.
Must be able to speak and read the English language.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Company Description

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is a privately held company founded in 1927 when Milton S. Hershey separated his chocolate manufacturing operations from his other businesses.

WHAT BEGAN AS A TOWN THAT CHOCOLATE BUILT ...

Has become a resort destination featuring the latest and greatest in family entertainment. Experience the many flavors of Hershey, from a world-class theme park with more than 60 thrilling rides and attractions, to 36 holes of distinctive golf for all levels and ages, The Chocolate Spa, a botanical garden for children, 11 acres of wildlife adventure, and a museum that tells the many stories behind the name Hershey.

Whether you stay at the classic Hotel Hershey, or family-friendly Hershey Lodge, or sleep under the stars at Hershey Highmeadow Campground, you'll experience the best in services and smiles. Known as the "cleanest and greenest" destination in America, with a calendar packed full of concerts, events and activities, Hershey is the perfect place to get away from it all. After all, it really is The Sweetest Place On Earth!