Executive Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations

About Westgate Resorts
Westgate Resorts provides a diverse range of vacation experiences. From sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean to snow-covered Utah mountains, families can affordably experience the country's most desirable vacation destinations. A world leader in the timeshare and hospitality industry, Westgate has resorts in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Missouri, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Westgate meets every vacation expectation, for every family, for every budget. As we continue growing, we will continue offering the best and most-affordable vacation options out there!

As the Executive Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, you will work closely with our leadership team to effectively represent our corporate brand, manage media relationships, draft and manage consistent internal and external messaging across the company. You will be responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of our public and internal image and will contribute to the messaging and branding of Westgate Resorts and our various businesses.

Additionally, the person must possess and adhere to the following core company values:

• Integrity
• Passion
• Work Ethic

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, execute and evaluate earned media by deploying creative external storytelling to generate earned media across all platforms.
• Serve as the strategic communications advisor to senior leadership and as the lead communications person for the company across its multiple lines of business.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including trade, consumer, financial, travel and lifestyle media, partners and experts.
• Track record of establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local, regional, national and international journalists and producers.
•  Identify and anticipate trends, as well as be opportunistic in sourcing, developing, and placing high-impact media stories and thought leadership about our company in public sector verticals.
•  Minimize negative coverage by successfully anticipating (when possible) and managing reputational risk.
•  Train and support Company executives and spokespeople with media and speaking opportunities.
• Writer and edit all press materials including media pitches, press releases, fact sheets, media statements and others.
• Oversee, plan, write, and edit content for a variety of external and internal communications channels, including leadership presentations, speeches, press releases, video, etc., as needed.
• Work in partnership with the social team to push content creation across our digital channels (including website and corporate social platforms.
• Manage, mitigate and anticipate complex public affairs issues as they arise.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of the company, both externally and among Team Members.
• Collaborate on and help assist with communication efforts for internal events and corporate philanthropic events in conjunction with the Westgate Foundation and the Victoria’s Voice Foundation.
• Complete all other tasks assigned by the leadership team.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• 7+ years proven experience in PR, corporate communications, or media relations
• Experience in a hospitality environment preferred
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to various audiences in relatable terms
• Experience in media relations and issues management, including experience handling reputational crises quickly and professionally

Skills:

• Executive presence to work with the C-suite; strong ability to collaborate with senior leadership, internal and external partners across multiple teams and disciplines
• Exceptional leadership capabilities and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a highly collaborative team
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies, digital marketing and social media, and content development strategies, with experience leveraging these platforms for public relations purposes
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities with proven ability to manage complex situations.
• Proficiency in managing relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers change and ambiguity with ease

Why Westgate?

• Comprehensive health benefits – medical, dental and vision
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – vacation, sick, and personal
• Paid Holidays
• 401K with generous company match
• Get access to your pay as you need it with our Daily Pay benefit
• Family benefits including pregnancy, and parental leave and adoption assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Assistance
• Military Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, Disability, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Exclusive discounts for Team Member (i.e., hotels, cruise, resorts, restaurants, entertainment, etc.) 
• Advancement & development opportunities
• Community Involvement Programs

Westgate Resorts is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected status under federal, state or local law. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email [email protected] with the job title and the location of the position for which you are applying.