Director of Public Relations and Communications

Four Seasons

Posted

Director of Public Relations and Communications

About the job

Develop and execute annual public relations plan; generate awareness through media outlets; assist in the development of marketing and advertising initiatives.

Purpose

Lead, manage and supervise the Public Relations & Communications team in Mauritius. Support the Director of Marketing in the creation of the strategy and work effectively with the implementation of communications, digital marketing and public relations. The candidate in this position will be based in Mauritius and will report to the Director of Marketing.

Job Responsibilities

Departmental

People Functions –

Lead media relations by actively managing professional relationships with local and international media/social media influencers/bloggers that will benefit the hotel and company as a whole. Includes hosting media visits, pitching targeted story ideas, organizing press trips, and photo and video shoots, entertaining key media and influencer contacts, responding in a timely way to media enquiries, and supporting social PR.
Able to manage relationships with public relations agencies, assist with marketing briefs and keep agencies and corporate partners informed of relevant news and updates to maximize opportunities for exposure.
Actively participates in community events of local associations and organizations building a strong rapport.
Leads weekly internal PR meetings for Food & Beverage, Spa, and Rooms and will be actively involved in assisting in maintaining communication and promotional calendars for each department.
Identify coaching moments and ensure that those moments become opportunities of learning and development for the department.
Establish a rapport with the PR & Communications team and other divisions within the hotel.
Understanding of Self-Esteem and Self-Actualization of Team and ensure proper support and help is provided whenever needed.
Have the ability to supervise the day-to-day duties of the PR & Communications team and assist as necessary.
Hold monthly department meetings with the department to ensure communication and address any issues that are affecting the team.
Participate in and develop staff training programs and development plans in order to minimize staff turnover and maintain high morale. Particular emphasis should be given to those individuals qualifying for future advancement.
Supervise, train and motivate department staff to thoroughly understand all of their duties and responsibilities.
Weekly PR & Communication meeting with the Director of Marketing.
Prepare reviews and development plans and take appropriate personnel-related action (i.e. hire, commend, discipline, evaluate, etc.) with team as required.
Conduct self in a professional manner at all times.
Maintain a harmonious and professional relationship with co-workers, supervisors and all departments.
Comply with and enforce Four Seasons’ Category One and Category Two Work Rules and Standards of Conduct as set forth in EmPact.
Plan, organize, lead and control different projects and activities within the PR & Communications team.

Product Functions –

Drive the execution of the annual PR plan as an integral part of the Hotel marketing plan to increase awareness and positive perception of the Hotel, its spa, culinary programs, services, and personnel.
Understands Hotel’s marketplace; well-informed of market trends, including evaluating the competition’s marketing communications activity and implements change as dictated by market requirements. Monitors own media coverage and competitor coverage, social media of comp set as well as online reviews for deeper market insight.
Manage and proofread all written marketing materials, brochures and collateral.
Direct the development of hotel promotions, advertising, e-direct mail pieces, newsletters and collateral (lobby reader board screens, promotional offer cards and signage) are in keeping with Four Seasons image and reflect the highest level of professionalism in content and presentation.
Assist in appearance and maintain storage of all Hotel print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, in-room collateral, etc.
Assist in maintenance of the Hotel and R&B email databases.
Assists the storage of all Brand guidelines, communication toolkits, and agency PR strategic plans.
Assist with media events, journalist and influencer stays, and press trips such as by assembling press kits, sending photos, creating itineraries, making reservations.
Assist in Hotel’s digital strategy with a proactive and creative approach to all available digital and electronic marketing platforms including, but not limited to, the deployment of the e-newsletter and e-direct mailers. Design and implement innovative programs and campaigns that increase awareness of the Hotel, its offerings and dynamic team.
Actively co-manage all Four Seasons proprietary websites, ensuring alignment with the Hotel’s positioning and business objectives and creative storytelling.
Assist in the Hotel and R&B social media channels, curating and creating relevant and engaging content, telling a story consistent with the outlets and Four Seasons while increasing following and engagement.
Leverage social media channels to amplify key messages and activities, elevating the importance of search as well as strategic and creative communication.
Ensures Hotel & R&B participation in corporate global social media campaigns.
Continuously strive for improvement of processes and efficiency.

Profit Functions –

In conjugation with the Director of Marketing, develop an annual marketing and branding budget, monitor and control spend to achieve business growth objectives and maximize cost efficiencies.
Work in accordance with hotel's financial forecast and budget, to maximise opportunities and support gaps in business.
Works closely with the Hotel teams to develop strategic annual marketing plans including promotional and marketing activities and calendars to feed relevant owned communication channels to stimulate revenue opportunities.
Assist in digital marketing included but not limited to PPC, SEO/SEM, and digital advertising and e-commerce (as needed) to ensure messaging and creative is aligned across all activities.
Track ROI and present monthly results of digital marketing and social media efforts on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
Ability to process invoices and purchase orders, and assists in maintaining operational expenses for monthly expense management.
Assist in maintaining Hotel’s image library and video banks, and ensures all signed usage rights as needed.

Special Requirements

Holds a diploma in the hospitality field or any related area.
5-10 years working experience in marketing, PR or digital marketing – hospitality industry experience is mandatory. International working experience would be an advantage.
Have working knowledge of the Sales & Marketing Division activities.
Understanding commercial acumen.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Experience in performance management with employees.
Fluent in English. Knowledge of foreign languages is a plus.
Computer literate (Word, Excel, Power point).

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