Full Job Description
Year Round
Classic, consistent quality from a winning team!
PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Senior Manager of Communications leads Deer Valley Resort's communications team, overseeing both external and internal communications. This role manages a small team (PR Manager and Internal Communications Manager) and ensures consistent, compelling messaging across all channels. The Senior Manager partners with the VP of Marketing to drive public relations, internal messaging, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen the resort's brand and guest experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Oversight
- Lead and mentor a small communications team, including the PR Manager and Internal Communications Manager
- Provide guidance and support for campaign planning, media outreach, and internal communications execution
- Oversee workload distribution, professional development, and performance management within the team
- Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team culture
Public Relations & External Communications
- Develop and execute Deer Valley's public relations strategy in alignment with organizational priorities
- Craft and deliver compelling stories to secure media coverage across local, national, and international outlets
- Act as a resort spokesperson or coordinate designated spokespersons for media inquiries
- Oversee press requests, FAM tours, media visits, and onsite press centers during events
- Monitor media coverage, stakeholder feedback, and community conversations to inform communications strategy
- Manage contracted PR agencies and external partners to execute campaigns effectively
- Support company-wide PR initiatives, including Alterra Mountain Company campaigns, Ikon Pass messaging, and resort development communications
Internal Communications
- Partner with HR and leadership to develop and execute internal communications strategies
- Ensure staff messaging is consistent, on-brand, and timely regarding events, initiatives, and business unit updates
- Audit and maintain content for internal communication platforms, including staff websites and newsletters
- Support internal communication plans for major initiatives, including the resort transformation and Expanded Excellence program
Messaging, Copywriting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Oversee the development of talking points, press releases, FAQs, and other communication materials
- Ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy in messaging across all resort channels
- Collaborate with marketing, website, and brand teams to deliver timely and accurate content
- Develop stakeholder engagement plans and community outreach initiatives, including open houses and other engagement events tied to resort projects
- Support guest relations and reputation management through monitoring and responding to feedback
Budget & Agency Management
- Optimize the communications budget for PR campaigns, internal initiatives, and community outreach efforts
- Oversee and coordinate with external agencies, vendors, and partners as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism preferred
- 7-10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or hospitality/tourism communications
- Prior leadership or team management experience preferred
- Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; copywriting experience a plus
- Familiarity with professional communications and PR industry best practices
- Experience in community relations and engaging key stakeholders
- Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking skills
- Availability to work weekends or attend early morning/late evening events as needed
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for media events, meetings, conferences, and trade shows
- Intermediate or above-average skiing ability preferred
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Year Round