Public Relations & Communications Manager

The Public Relations & Communications Manager is responsible for managing the public relations department for Worlds of Fun and generating positive publicity through community relations activities, the news media, consumer awareness, and social media, while enhancing and protecting the park’s image. Serves as the park’s spokesperson and delivers all crisis communications. Reports to the Corporate Director of Brand Management.

How You'll Make A Difference:

• Plans, develops and manages the park’s earned, owned and shared editorial and content across all social and multi-media platforms including developing and executing to parks social media content calendar. 
• Serves as primary copy writer for Marketing & Sales copy needs, including revising/updating existing copy and creating all-new content. 
• Performs basic photography and videography of park attractions and events, and uses Adobe Creative Cloud platform for design and editing. 
• Managers all theme park photos and video shoots inclusive of shot list preparation, vendor selection, cost management, asset selection and delivery. 
• Maintains all video and photo libraries in accordance with company standard guidelines.
• Develops relationships with bloggers and other non-traditional media to increase earned web presence and ensure search engine optimization and strong online presence through earned media channels 
• Responsible for the planning, execution, and after-action KPI reporting for media & blogger events. This requires collaboration and alignment with a cross-functional team to ensure events are strategically on-message, optimized for earned media coverage opportunities, and executed with excellence using superb proactive inter-departmental communication.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining social media engagements including monitoring and responds to social media inquiries in a timely manner. 
• Responsible for securing and maintaining respective brand terms and brand names across active and emerging social media platforms. 
• Responsible for regularly reporting engagements and developing strategies in order to increase audience size across social media platforms. 
• Develops relationships and builds good rapport with the news media including industry contacts 
• Develops and implements a strategically focused media relations plan that includes pitching, securing media and facilitating media on-site. 
• Writes all press materials, media releases, media alerts, park position statements 
• Responds to inquiries from the media, general public and guests and monitors media mentions from all earned media via company-provided platforms (e.g., Sprout Social, Cision, Meltwater, Crimson Hexagon). 
• Serves as the park spokesperson and delivers all crisis communications.

We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Journalism, English Liberal Arts or related course of study, or equivalent work experience.
• 2-4 years professional related experience in public relations and social media communication, experience with attractions, large venues, or entertainment industries, preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience desired. 
• Event planning experience desired
• High degree of initiative, personal responsibility and professionalism. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision and deliver against set goals.
• Strong time and project management skills and experience with ability to meet strict deadlines for multiple concurrent projects. 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills. 
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holiday periods to meet business needs 
• Must have a valid driver’s license 
• Strong strategic planning skills and communication knowledge with creative and brand management experience
• Above average knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience in AP style. 
• Experience in basic photography and photo editing, as well as shooting and editing/producing basic short videos for use on social media and digital platforms. 
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level sufficient to conduct employee meetings; provide detailed direction to staff, guests, and vendors; and write policies, procedures, reports and other business related documents and correspondence. 
• Ability to pass a mandatory or random drug test, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state or provincial law. 
• Ability to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law 
• Must meet all Cedar Fair professional grooming standards. 
• Must be able to adhere to department scheduling requirements including weekends and holidays, as required