Area Director of Public Relations

The Area Director of Public Relations primary focus is to develop and implement strategic earned media plans for the hotels, generate and maximize relevant media exposure for the Loews Chicago Hotel, Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel, and the Loews Minneapolis Hotel on a local, regional, and national level, effectively implement, pitch related Loews Hotels Brand programs to local media, act as liaison between the hotels and the community oversee internal communications as well as execute all social media.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute PR and social media strategies for the hotels, keeping the hotel’s positioning and brand top of mind 
• Be the creator and gatekeeper of all copy and content for the hotels they oversee 
• Create newsworthy promotions and story ideas to include F&B, spa, family, leisure, weddings, group and other topics that are relevant to the hotels
• Promote Good Neighbor promotions or events 
• Develop and maintain hotels media materials and press areas of the Loews Hotels Web site 
• Distribute media releases for each hotel’s key markets on both national and local level 
• Keep abreast of consumer and trade media interests in order to better capitalize on publicity opportunities. 
• Maintain strong media relations with local and regional journalists and pitch hotels efforts 
• Create media personalities within the hotels staff – i.e. GM, chefs, concierge, etc. to generate positive exposure for the hotel. Train staff as needed to appear on camera or be interviewed 
• Participate with local CVBs to stay current on destination promotional efforts, and host journalist requests when appropriate 
• Develop relationships with organizations and businesses within key markets that support and enhance PR efforts 
• Liaise with onsite contacts about media visits and requests 
• Manage all media inquiries, press visits and onsite productions 
• Monitor all forms of media (TV, radio, online and print), report on media mentions and share best media coverage 
• Responsible for media relations in the event of a crisis at the hotel. Prepare and keep crisis plan current. 
• Become an advocate of the company by nurturing relationships with key influencers in the community and work with local PR efforts to maximize reach 
• Develop monthly reports in a timely efficient manner 
• Regular attendance in conformance with standards 
• May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs 
• Required to attend all training sessions and meetings

Supportive Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work with marketing on partnerships with a “newsworthy” focus and which fall under hotel’s positioning and brand strategy 
• Other duties as assigned

Required:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills 
• Minimum of six plus years in public relations with a lifestyle or hospitality brand or a PR agency 
• Proven track record in both media relations and social media 
• Self-starter with strong organizational and leadership skills 
• Creativity! 
• College Degree 
• Must be able to meet the demands of client events to include presence at numerous food and beverage functions taking place throughout the day 
• Excels in fast paced work environment 
• Able to work flexible schedule including some weekends and holidays

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Hotel and Food & Beverage operations
• General Knowledge of all Hotel departments