Senior Communications Specialist, Hunter Mountain

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).

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, manage all social media marketing efforts at our resorts. 

Job Summary:

The Senior Communications Specialist at Hunter Mountain will report to and support the Senior Communications Manager and the Northeast team. The role is located in Hunter, N.Y., and will act as the primary PR contact for Hunter while providing support for the company’s three Vermont resorts: Stowe, Okemo and Mt. Snow, as well as company-wide initiatives. This position will assist day-to-day efforts including, but not limited to: fulfillment of media requests, media pitching, coverage tracking, media hosting, internal and external resort communications, social media strategy and management, content creation, and issues management. This job is key to protecting and promoting the resort brands. In addition to understanding the unique brands, this position will need to have an understanding of Vail Resorts as a whole, to drive high-funnel earned media placements, and communications and content across social media platforms.

The Senior Communications Specialist position requires the flexibility and desire to work in both earned and owned media, as well as the creativity to problem solve through ambiguity. This position should have a background in communications and content creation and management, but also the ability to establish and maintain relationships; knowledge of media, social media and industry trends; strong organizational skills; professional demeanor; attention to detail; critical thinking and decision-making skills; and the ability to multi-task and drive results in a fast-paced work environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work with managers to handle media inquiries, pitch strategic stories, host visiting media, develop key messages, prepare spokespeople for interviews and serve as a liaison between the resort and media
• Assist in developing a strategic communications plan that supports both the resorts and the Company Communications Team’s business objectives for a wide variety of stakeholders
• Utilize strong storytelling skills to bring the resort brand to life across a variety of platforms and mediums
• Organize logistics for all media and influencer visits, including the creation of itineraries that showcase the resorts and deliver on key brand messages
• Work closely with NYC based media on storytelling opportunities
• Work closely with other members of the team to assist with the development and execution of 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
• Support and coach the resort Content Specialists to maintain social media content production calendars, with organized schedules of cadenced messaging needs, and work with Content Specialists on photo shoots and content capture plans
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships internally and externally with resort business partners, media and the community
• Assist in developing media tools such as press releases, fact sheets, talking points and media kits
• Manage and track PR and Social Media results
• Support multi-resort and corporate initiatives
• Assist in crisis communication scenarios
• Basic administrative duties
• On-call availability, including weekends and holidays

Job Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications or Digital 
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a communications role
• Intermediate or above skiing or snowboarding ability required
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to work autonomously and follow-through on expected duties in a timely fashion
• Ability to build internal and external relationships
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, in addition to Social Media Platforms.
• Experience with Sprout Social and other social media management programs is a plus
• Content creation experience, including photo and video editing and experience with Adobe Creative Suite programs is a plus.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $58,500 - $62,000. 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  505895
Reference Date: 11/04/2024 
Job Code Function: Communications  
Job Type: [[JobType]]