Manager, Public Relations

In this newly created role, the PR Manager will be responsible for internal and external communications, as well as helping to drive Great Wolf's earned media strategy. A quick ramp up and immersion into the Great Wolf business and culture is essential – the successful candidate must quickly develop an understanding of Great Wolf processes and establish close and supportive working relationships – not only with commercial and operations teams and departmental stakeholders and Pack Members, but external resources, subject matter experts, and talent partners as well.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee Great Wolf Resort’s third party social media influencer program. This includes securing influencer coverage for our resorts (on a non-paid basis) along with evaluating its effectiveness in generating website sessions/bookings. 
• Assist in managing the day-to-day relationship with our two regional PR agencies. 
• Write and edit: news releases, advisories, VNR copy, captions and executive remarks as assigned. 
• Research, compile and maintain media lists. 
• Track print, broadcast, internet and social influencer coverage and develop measurement tools to showcase the value of PR-led initiatives to company leadership. 
• Maintain the GWR online press room and handle media inquiries. 
• Coordinate media interviews, media/blogger stays, familiarization tours for media, film crews, onsite media events and assist with the planning of public relations campaigns.
• Develop compelling story angles and experiential opportunities that tier up to agreed upon story arcs to maximize exposure for Great Wolf Resorts. 
• Assist in the development and execution of Grand Opening events for new resorts. 
• Craft key messages, talking points and executive briefs to prepare spokespeople for media interviews or media events.
• Liaise with other Great Wolf Lodge departments such as operations, sales, marketing and development to identify or create storytelling opportunities for the Great Wolf Lodge brand. 
• Serve on Crisis Communications Response team. Help with updates to the crisis communication plan and be prepared to assist as needed when issues arise. 
• Use earned media to help promote our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, including our non-profit partnerships along with environmental and safety initiatives. 
• Must be willing to work a few weekends with various media events, or in a crisis management capacity. 
• Develop and maintain video and photo library and archive for on-going usage and online media center. 
• Assist in producing content for both print and electronic applications, traditional and social media outreach, website, publicity materials, and collateral for events. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and alignments with key members of the working media to achieve corporate communication objectives. 
• Assist Director of Corporate Communications with duties as assigned. 
• Responsible for the promotion of a safe and professional workplace through adhering to policies and procedures as outlined in the Great Wolf Resorts handbook.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Journalism/Public Relations/Communications or related field from an accredited university. 
• Minimum 5 years of consumer-focused media relations or communications experience required with experience working with tourism or hospitality focused brand preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent written, oral, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Unblemished record of confidentiality. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and re-prioritizations. 
• Demonstrated team player who thrives in fast-paced environment. 
• Proven ability to develop & maintain media contacts/relationships. 
• Requires a track record of success in planning and coordinating special events, media relations, and public and community relations. 
• Strong demonstrated project management skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and self-directed. 
• Computer proficiency with ability to use Microsoft Office Products and desktop publishing software. 
• Familiarity with social influencer research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Self-motivated and self-directed. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail 
• Demonstrated ability to be a contributing, proactive, positive and supportive member of the Great Wolf Resorts Communications team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. 
• Stretching Bending. 
• Standing and/or sitting for long periods of time.