Communications Manager - Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

Vail Resorts is the world’s leading mountain resort operator, with 42 resorts across four countries and 15 states. The Communications Team is responsible for promoting 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.   

The Communications Manager is responsible for promoting and protecting the reputation of Crested Butte Mountain Resort through proactive media relations, effective storytelling, social media management, and strategic communications. This role will act as a spokesperson for the resort and will be responsible for issues management and crisis communications. The Manager will support resort leadership with communications initiatives (internally and externally). This role also works closely with the Government and Community Affairs team to support our work in the Crested Butte community. Additionally, the Manager will play a key role in managing the resorts’ social media accounts to ensure consistent and authentic storytelling across our owned channels. This includes content strategy and planning, content capture and management of one or more external photo/video contractor(s).

This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Communications for Park City and Crested Butte and is also part of the broader Rocky Mountain Region Communications Team, responsible for building the reputation of Vail Resorts, the Epic Pass and the company’s six resorts in Colorado and Utah.

Job Specifications:

• Outlet: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
• Shift & Schedule Availability: Year Round / Full Time
• The budgeted range starts at $65,000-$73,000 annually.  Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience.
• Other Specifics: Resort-based (Expected to work in person at Crested Butte Mountain Resort)

Job Responsibilities:  

Communications and Media Relations:

• Manage media relations for Crested Butte Mountain Resort, both reactively and through proactive outreach, to secure high-funnel and targeted media coverage.
• Serve as a key communications resource for the resort’s leaders and develop strategic messaging to support their goals internally and externally.   
• Act as the official spokesperson for Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
• Work closely with Rocky Mountain Region team to ensure execution of regional strategies.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders in Crested Butte and Gunnison County, CO.   
• Create, manage and execute meaningful hosting experiences for visiting media at Crested Butte Mountain Resort including itineraries, logistics, and follow-up. Act as a media escort when needed.
• Work closely with the in-resort Field Marketing Manager to help promote their department’s efforts, including brand activations and events.
• Create compelling content to help tell Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s stories.
• Manage media lists, media tracking, and reporting.

Social Media and Content:  

• Manage the company’s relationship(s) with one or more external photo/video contractor(s).
• Utilize strong storytelling skills to bring the resort brand to life across a variety of platforms and mediums.
• Work closely with other members of the team to develop and lead the resort’s social media strategy including: social and digital media content ideation, creation, timely posting, oversight of social media channels, effective community management and reporting.
• Maintain a content production calendar, with an organized schedule of cadenced messaging needs.
• Assess, manage and execute social media influencer relationships and visits to the resort including contracts, itineraries, posts, and follow-up.

 Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications or Marketing  
• 4+ years of experience in an external communications or PR role, proven experience working with journalists with outstanding results
• Excellent writer, able to draft nuanced communications on a variety of topics
• Experience with all forms of external communications channels, especially news media and social media  
• Experience with crisis communications and issues management
• Experience managing social media channels
• Passionate and out-front leader with drive to develop as a leader
• Proactive self-starter who can manage independent projects
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; builds and maintains highly effective working relationships internally and externally
• Team player – strives for collective success
• Ability to be based in Crested Butte, CO 

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $65,000 - $73,000 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, 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 or off-site 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  504480
Reference Date: 08/26/2024 
Job Code Function: Communications  
Job Type: [[JobType]]