Communications Manager, Midwest Region

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. In addition to strategic communications and PR, our resort-based communications teams, divided into three regions: East, Rocky Mountain and West,  and manage strategic communications, PR, content creation and resort social media channels with the mission of providing an Experience of a Lifetime for our guests.

The selected candidate will be based out of the Resort closest to their current location in the Midwest. 

The Communications Manager for the Midwest is responsible for promoting and protecting the reputation of Snow Creek, Hidden Valley, Paoli Peaks, Brandywine, Alpine Valley, Wilmot, Mt Brighton, Mad River, Boston Mills and Afton Alps, through proactive media relations, effective storytelling, social media management, and strategic communications. This role will act as a spokesperson for the resorts and will be responsible for issue management and crisis communications. The Manager will support resort leadership with communications initiatives (internally and externally). This role also works closely with the Community Relations Team to support the resorts’ communities. 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, content capture and management of the resorts’ Content Specialist and/or contractors.

This position reports to the Senior Manager of Communications for the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Regions and is also part of the broader East Region Communications Team, responsible for building the reputation of Vail Resorts, the Epic Pass and the company’s 26 resorts across the East.

Job Specifications:

• Starting Wage: $70,000 - $75,000 + annual bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: No

Job Responsibilities:

Communications and Media Relations:

• Manage media relations for resorts, both reactively and through proactive outreach, to secure high-funnel and targeted media coverage.
• Serve as a key communications resource for the resorts’ leaders and develop strategic messaging that supports their goals internally and externally.  
• Act as the official spokesperson for Midwest mountains. 
• Work closely with East Region Communications Team to ensure execution of the regional strategies.  
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the resorts.  
• Create, manage and execute meaningful hosting experiences for visiting media at the resorts including itineraries, logistics, and follow-up. Act as a media escort when needed.
• Work closely with the corresponding Field Marketing Managers to help promote their department’s efforts, including brand activations and events.
• Create compelling content to help tell the resorts’ stories.
• Lead media strategy and outreach for Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago  and Cleveland
• Manage media lists, media tracking, and reporting.

Social Media and Content: 

• Manage the resorts’ Content Specialists and/or Contractors and work collaboratively with the regions’ Senior Content Specialist
• 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 resorts’ social media strategy including: social and digital media content ideation, creation, timely posting, oversight of social media channels, effective community management and reporting.
• Work with the region’s Senior Content Specialist, resort Content Specialists and/or Contractors to 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 resorts including contracts, itineraries, posts, and follow-up.
• Work with the resort Content Specialist or Contractor to capture regular resort content; organize and lead smaller-scale resort photo and video shoots including contracted models and photographers/videographers; and assist with larger-scale resort brand photo and video shoots.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications orMarketing 

• 5+ years of experience in an external communications or PR role, and proven experience working with journalists
• 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
• 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 and willingness to travel throughout Midwest resorts with occasional overnight stays is critical
• Familiarity with Midwest ski culture

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $70,000 - $75,000 + 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

Employees can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., 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 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. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

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  510605
Reference Date: 08/05/2025 
Job Code Function: Communications