Manager of Communications

The Manager of Communications is responsible for overseeing and executing Sun Country’s public relations, media relations, community relations, social media, and internal communications strategies. This leader will execute a communications plan to create, promote, enhance, and protect the “voice of the airline”. The communications team brings to life the brand promise in multiple channels, events, communication vehicles, and through community relations efforts. This role manages one direct report.

Essential Functions:

Public and Media Relations

• Lead communications efforts founded on key messages tied to company vision, brand positioning and competitive advantages in the marketplace 
• Drive overall strategy across the media platform, architecture, messaging/positioning frameworks, and voice and tone 
• Oversee and execute media relations plans, campaigns, and press releases 
• Seek out positive editorial and other media coverage 
• Maintain list of local and national media outlets and develop strong relationships with industry reporters to ensure effective story pitches 
• Gather industry editorial calendars to target specific media opportunities 
• Write and manage distribution of press releases 
• Handle interview preparation for company spokesperson and executives 
• Maintain emergency communication response plan and participate in regular training and drills

Social Media

• Build the brand and social communities through an ongoing social media and thought leadership strategy 
• Create social media campaigns, blogs, etc. that support marketing plans and strategies 
• Manage the social presence day-to-day, monitoring channels and leading the team in managing issues 
• Identify opportunities and innovative ways to leverage social media and content channels 
• Maintain the corporate social media policy and monitor for compliance 
• Develop and manage success metrics & reporting (ROI) 
• Create and execute communication campaigns that supports the marketing and communications plans

Community Relations and Events

• Lead community relations programs and partnerships, specifically the Make-A-Wish Foundation 
• Support local programs and foster strong relationships within local communities 
• Manage ad-hoc events for internal and external audiences 
• Support executive presentations and speaking engagements for community relations and other events

Internal Communications

• Lead internal communications initiatives to connect our leaders and our team members 
• Support and develop internal engagement programs to foster community and culture in the workplace 
• Manage ad-hoc executive communications and announcements 
• Support executive presentations and speaking engagements internally

Required Skills:

• Superior communication skills and strong knowledge of current media landscape 
• Expert level writing skills in AP style 
• Experience building and executing social media strategies in a B2C environment 
• A manager that creates an atmosphere in which people work together enthusiastically and cooperatively to produce outstanding results 
• Proven track record of working effectively in fast-paced environment 
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in a fast-paced environment 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and drive results at all levels within an organization; 
• Builds partnerships and ensures shared successes 
• Relentless customer focus and obsession 
• Readiness to participate in communication response in the event of an emergency

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required ideally in Marketing, Advertising, and/or Communications 
• Minimum 2+ years in public relations, corporate communications, and/or media relations 
• Experience in corporate communications for B2C brands 
• Experience working in a fast paced, highly dynamic environment 
• Team leadership and people management experience preferred