Director of Public Relations and Communications
Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated Director of Public Relations and Communications to lead public relations, partnerships, and internal communications to advance Windstar Cruises' brand, reputation, and business objectives in a highly competitive industry.
Responsibilities
Owns the external PR strategy, setting annual priorities, narrative pillars, and measurement standards that advance brand reputation and business goals.
Establishes and maintains media relations to ensure favorable coverage of company assets, activities, and announcements.
Acts as chief spokesperson to the media.
Develops and oversees the creation of press releases, executive speeches, talking points, statements, and other external communication pieces.
Builds and manages an executive thought-leadership platform for the President and senior leaders, including bylined content, speaking opportunities, and industry forums.
Leads planning and execution of special events, press trips, inaugurals, and other brand moments that promote the company's image, products, and achievements.
Maintains corporate visibility with industry and trade associations and represents the company at major industry and trade functions.
Manages the company's response to unforeseen challenges that arise in the business operating environment, including crisis communications and issues management.
Administers corporate contributions and community affairs and represents the company at community events.
Manages award programs, including solicitation for votes and promotion of recognitions earned.
Defines PR and communications KPIs — including share of voice, sentiment, message pull-through, and reach — and reports performance and learnings to executive leadership on a regular cadence.
Identifies, develops, and manages strategic brand partnerships with TAC brands, destinations, tourism boards, hospitality and lifestyle brands, and media partners that expand brand visibility and support commercial priorities.
Partners with Social Media to integrate earned media moments and hosted press experiences with paid creator activations where possible.
Partners with marketing, sales, revenue, and onboard operations to align brand-partnership activations with commercial calendars and the guest journey.
Grows and stewards the company's portfolio of brand and influencer partners, prioritizing relationships that meaningfully expand brand visibility in target markets.
Serves as the senior communications advisor to HR on internal communications strategy, counseling on narrative, channel mix, timing, and tone for leadership messages, all-hands, and organizational announcements.
Acts as lead content creator for HR-driven internal communications — drafting and producing leadership messages and newsletters that bring company priorities and culture to life.
Advises HR and executive leadership on crisis and sensitive internal communications, drafting messaging and sequencing to ensure employees are informed ahead of external audiences where possible.
Partners with HR to connect employees to the brand story and guest experience, providing the messaging, content, and storytelling that bring the brand to life internally.
Serves as a senior communications advisor to the executive team, providing counsel on reputation, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
Develops and administers organizational policies regarding public relations, partnerships, internal communications, and information dispersal.
Manages PR operating budget and participates in the marketing strategic planning process.
Manages external agency and vendor relationships across PR and partnerships, including performance, budget, and deliverables.
Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience across public relations and communications, including demonstrated experience leading partnerships and internal communications; experience in the travel, hospitality, or leisure industry strongly preferred.
Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage, building strategic partnerships, and delivering internal communications programs that drive employee engagement.
Knowledge of trade press, industry associations, consumer travel publications, and the influencer and partner landscape relevant to travel and lifestyle audiences.
Experience serving as a spokesperson and providing counsel to senior executives, including in crisis or high-sensitivity situations.
Exceptional organizational, management, and communication skills, including writing, editing, and public speaking.
Strong negotiation skills and experience structuring and managing partnership agreements.
People-leadership experience, including building teams and managing external agencies.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision
HSA & FSA
Life & Disability
Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness
Pet Insurance
Vacation, Sick Time and paid Holidays
401(k) with Company Match
Employee Assistance Plan
Education Assistance and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals
EEO
Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.