Communications Manager (Remote)

As a leading mountain resort operator with over 40 resorts in sixteen states and four countries. We exist to create an Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, provide and Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We are looking for leaders, innovators, creators, and ambitious professionals to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Many of our Corporate function teams can now live and work in any of the states in which Vail Resorts currently operates* – enabling flexible remote work alongside a commitment to building and maintaining strong culture both in person and virtually. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you. Find your purpose with us at www.vailresortscareers.com.

Summary

As a leading mountain resort operator with over 41 resorts in sixteen states and four countries, Vail Resorts is on a mission to create an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. The Communications Team manages strategic communications, PR, content creation, influencer and social media to promote Vail Resorts and its values; each of our world-class resorts; and the product that provides guests with unrivaled access to all of them, the Epic Pass. We are looking for leaders, innovators, creators, and ambitious professionals to join our talented team.

This Communications Manager will be responsible for working with media to proactively promote Vail Resorts and Epic Pass across traditional and emerging media outlets. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Global Media Relations and play an integral role in the ideation, development and implementation of the company’s enterprise earned media strategy.

Many of our Corporate function teams can now live and work in any of the states in which Vail Resorts currently operates* – enabling flexible remote work alongside a commitment to building and maintaining strong culture both in person and virtually.

Job Specifications

• Outlet: Corporate / Remote
• Shift & Schedule Availability: Year Round / Full Time
• The budgeted range starts at $59,100.00 - $79,530.00 + annual bonus. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for proactive and reactive media relations for Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass; Support earned media efforts and cross-messaging for a variety of lines of business including Hospitality and Ski and Ride School
• Create compelling story angles to proactively pitch to a variety of media, from traditional print and broadcast to online and emerging channels, to generate coverage for Epic Pass
• Support national and international agency management or successful storytelling of the Epic Pass in key markets
• Support Enterprise Media Hosting, offering journalists curated, first-hand experiences across the resort portfolio to facilitate in-depth storytelling
• Develop external-facing communications materials, including: press releases, pitches, fact sheets, tip sheets, talking points and media backgrounders
• Perform competitive analysis, industry research, and continually assess best practices and KPIs in a consistently changing landscape; integrate insights into strategy
• Manage and maintain positive stakeholder relationships internally and externally
• Cultivate relationships with key media to maximize story opportunities
• Assist with the coordination of media tours and facilitate interviews with functional experts, providing appropriate messaging and preparation
• Develop, monitor, track and analyze appropriate metrics to evaluate external communications performance; effectively help support this analysis to key stakeholders and proactively develop strategic recommendations for adjusting future efforts based on those results
• Proactively the communications team and internal business partners on best practices and strategic recommendations for future media relations efforts
  
  

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• 4-5+ years of experience in related field required; PR agency experience preferred
• Previous experience coordinating media hosting and/or deskside tours
• Strong knowledge of earned media best practices, tools and analytics
• Strong media relationships to leverage on behalf of the company
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with knowledge of AP style
• Ability to organize details and complete projects in a timely manner
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), media monitoring tools (Cision, Meltwater)
• Knowledge of the ski/snowboard industry a plus
• Willingness to travel as needed
  
  

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $59,100.00 - $79,530.00 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

The perks include a free ski pass, and a set of benefits including...

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan
• Hourly employees are generally eligible for accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Time. Salaried employees are generally eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible mothers and fathers
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  
  

Reach Your Peak at Vail Resorts.  At Vail Resorts, our team is made whole by the brave, passionate individuals who ambitiously push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Whether you’re looking for seasonal work or the career of a lifetime, join us today to reach your peak. 

• Remote work is currently permitted from British Columbia and the 16 U.S. states in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Please note that the ability to work remotely, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work at any time in its sole discretion.
  
  

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 498470

Reference Date: 10/09/2023

Job Code Function: Communications