GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

We are in search of an experienced, enthusiastic, and engaging Director of Public Relations to lead and motivate our internal teams and external partners. You will oversee the organization’s PR strategies to help ensure the long-term relevancy of the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass. In this role, you will focus on growing coverage and earned media value for our two experiences locally, nationally, and internationally, leveraging the unique strength of our two iconic brands. You will work with an engaged team to elevate and amplify our Guests’ experiences by increasing social engagement, curating and encouraging fan-curated content, and connecting with niche communities. You will work with a team to create signature events and programs to continue to build cultural relevancy within our market, develop opportunities with key travel partners, and participate in greater destination marketing and communication initiatives. You will help protect and project the status and reputation of Seattle’s premier visitor and cultural experiences to connect tourists to the best of the Pacific Northwest.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Work closely with the CMO and Senior Leadership Team to ensure the vision of the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass is being realized.
Implement and oversee strategic direction for earned media, social media, public relations, media relations, and crisis communications. Develop public relations plans, strategies, tactics, and special events designed to enhance the brand and image for both properties.
Lead the public relations and social media team, and act as our company’s internal lens for strategic communications.
Manage multiple time-sensitive and high-profile projects simultaneously, including on-site media events and filming activity, long-lead pitching, internal and external programs, and annual events.
Build and nurture relationships with local, national, and international media to drive favorable coverage and diffuse any negative stories. Serve as one of the company spokespeople.
Have a deep understanding of our Guests – what they care about and how to transform moments into memories of a lifetime - to ensure we remain beloved by our Guests.
Partner with the Director of Marketing on collaborative marketing programs that impact public relations and brand goals.
Develop and manage strategic communication plans to protect and enhance our brand reputations in new and existing markets.
Research, analyze, and benchmark our earned media impact, and understand innovation communications tools.
Drive success of community relations efforts by the Space Needle Foundation and Center Art Foundation, including strategic partnerships with external stakeholders including Fred Hutch Cancer Center, local arts organizations, and public sector.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Lead Team Members in taking ownership and accountability for fulfilling our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Help People Grow - provide continuous training and education to promote individual and team development.
Plan, implement, and manage the annual public relations and social media budget.
Provide media training and communications to staff as needed.
Serve as team liaison with other departments.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Minimum of 10 years of experience with a blue chip company, high profile experience or brand, agency experience, and/or in-house communications leadership in hospitality, art, attraction, or entertainment industry.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Broadcast Communications, or other relevant areas.
Demonstrated previous experience leading and developing a high-performing team in a leadership capacity.
Proven track record of conceiving and implementing successful PR strategies, plans, and programs for branded experiences (tourism, attraction, retail, museum, hospitality, entertainment, etc.)
Technology savvy.
Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills.
Crisis communications experience.
Demonstrated creative thinking and the ability to take initiative with projects and anticipate issues of concern.
Disciplined organizational skills in all aspects of job performance with strong attention to detail.
Strong project management skills.
Flexibility, resourcefulness and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing and growing environment.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to broadly influence and effectively forge partnerships both internally and externally.
Proactive, self-starter.
High level of professionalism, maturity, and political savvy.
Strong ability to synthesize large amounts of actionable data points.
Proven ability to maintain confidential information.
A strong work ethic and great sense of humor.
Able to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends when requested or needed (New Year’s Eve is required).

Full time, Salaried position

Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000 DOE + Bonus up to 20%

Benefits include:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability
401k plan, we will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute, equivalent to 3% of your wages
Deferred compensation into 401(k) account at company Shareholder discretion. Eligible to begin participating after one year of service with an annual plan entry date of October 1st.
Paid Personal Days (14 per year)
Paid Time Off of 14 days / year
Tuition reimbursement of 50%, up to $2500 / year
New child family leave up to 4 weeks while on approved FLMA and enrolled in company sponsored medical plan
50% discount for many purchases at the Space Needle (Retail, Food and Beverage, not applied towards alcohol purchases)
Charitable Contributions / Matching Gift, up to $200 year
Paid parking or up to $250 / month towards an orca card

The Space Needle symbolizes the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Our Team Members reflect our inclusive city, diverse country, and multicultural world. As an equal opportunity employer, we make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, physical, or mental disability, military status, political ideology, genetic information, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All Team Members and potential Team Members who apply for an opening will be considered without regard to these factors. We carefully screen applicants based on qualifications such as their training, education, skills, aptitude, experience, and previous work record.

Director of Public Relations

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