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 in 15 states and four countries. The Communications Team is responsible for protecting and 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. Our resort-based communications teams manage strategic communications, PR and social media, and are divided into three regions: West, Rocky Mountains and East.
Based at Vail Mountain and reporting to the Director of Communications – Rockies Region, the Senior Manager of Communications – Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort role is responsible for leading the Communications Teams across Vail and Beaver Creek. This communications professional will be equally experienced at driving strategic storytelling using a range of channels, navigating crises effectively and professionally.
Overseeing a team of four communications and content/social media professionals, the Senior Manager will be responsible for all external communications efforts for the resorts, including media relations, media hosting, issues management, strategic messaging with resort and community relations stakeholders, social media, content capture, and storytelling. This person may also act as a spokesperson on behalf of the resorts and the company.
The Senior Manager will need to excel in working with geographically dispersed teammates, managing a complex network of stakeholders, leading creative + proactive storytelling initiatives/efforts, and juggling a variety of business-critical work streams.
Job Specifications:
- Outlet: Vail
- The budgeted range starts at $90,000 - $100,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience
- Shift & Schedule Availability: Full Time / Year Round
- Skill Level: Advanced
Job Responsibilities:
- Act as spokesperson for Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort, as needed.
- Manage external communications for the resorts, including crisis and issues management, mitigating and minimizing risk.
- Develop a strategic and proactive communications and media relations plan to promote the resorts with guests and secure high-funnel and targeted media coverage.
- Develop and execute thoughtful and impactful media relations strategies.
- Assess, manage and execute the hosting of media and social media influencers at the resorts, including creating itineraries, ideating story angles and pitches, hosting on the ground, and creating media moments to secure earned coverage.
- Develop media tools including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, scripts, coverage tracking and other.
- Build and maintain critical relationships with and serve as the key communications resource for the resorts’ GM/COOs and Senior Leadership Teams (as appropriate), and develop strategic messaging that supports their goals internally and externally.
- Utilize strong storytelling skills to bring the resort brand to life across a variety of platforms and mediums.
- Be out front in managing issues and meeting needs of various stakeholders.
- Oversee all resort social media channels, leading a team to build out a content production calendar, capture and share authentic and engaging content with guests, and lead effective community management of social channels.
- Manage external contractor relationships, contracts, and work product.
- Manage resort communications budgets.
- Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the region.
- Lead the Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort Comms Team in creating a positive, proactive working environment.
- Work closely with both the Rockies Region and the full Vail Resorts Communications Team to ensure brilliant execution of corporate and regional strategies.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications, PR or Marketing
- 7+ years of experience in an external communications or PR role
- On-site presence required at Vail Mountain, most importantly during the ski and ride season
- Strong leader and manager with a drive to develop talent
- Excellent writer able to draft nuanced communications on a variety of topics
- Builds on strategic and innovative thoughts/ideas
- Can seamlessly execute on multiple overlapping projects at once
- Self-starter who can adapt to change and effectively navigate through ambiguity; decides and acts without having the picture totally defined; appropriately changes strategy in response to new information
- Drives for results – makes things happen and conveys a sense of urgency
- Experience with all forms of external communications channels, especially news media and social media
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including ability to work with people from various cultures and areas of the business; builds and maintains highly effective working relationships internally and externally
- Team player – strives for collective success
- Some travel may be required
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $92,396.70 - $100,000 + 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.
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.
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 508016
Reference Date: 04/15/2025
Job Code Function: Communications
