Job Summary:We are seeking a motivated Director of PR and Communications to lead public relations, partnerships, and internal communications to advance Windstar Cruises' brand, reputation, and business objectives in a highly competitive industry. Develops and executes integrated strategies that elevate the company's public profile, cultivate high-value partner and influencer relationships, and inform, engage, and align employees across the organization. Serves as a senior communications advisor to executive leadership and ensures the company's image and voice are consistent across all external and internal audiences.
ResponsibilitiesPublic Relations & Media- 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.
Partnerships- 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.
Internal Communications- 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.
Leadership & Operations- 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.
- Other duties, as assigned.
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:For full-time employees, Windstar offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 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.
