Director of Marketing Communications

QUALITY

• To continually develop and maintain databases.
• Ensure quality of hotel and regional image library through Hilton’s Creative Library is maintained.
• To fully capitalize on Hilton marketing programs and resources.
• Ensure brand.com site is written and formatted for maximum search engine optimization. Regular validation of the hotel key words to ensure that site is written to include relevant terms and based on upcoming events.
• Ensure ongoing review of Hotel presence via social media pages and ensure adherence to Hilton Worldwide Social Media Policy.
• Prospect for linking opportunities and coordinate execution of link strategy. Sign up portals that send business back to brand.com as appropriate.
• Execute the hotel’s public relations strategy and to ensure the hotel is represented as an active member of the local community.
• Monitor market and competition activity to ensure effectiveness of marketing activities.
• Carry out regular brand checks and audits, and implement marketing communications approval process.
• Develop, maintain and expand network for external publicity distribution (i.e. Up to date and accurate database for PR distribution, locally and internationally).
• Liaise with local or foreign celebrity agencies to co-ordinate events and maximise opportunities for prominent positioning of the hotel, as and when appropriate.
• Oversee quality of new photography.
• Develop, implement and monitor any hotel driven loyalty programs.
• Champion brand values and ensure the hotel adheres to brand and product standards, positioning, identity and guidelines in all communication (visual, print and electronic).
• To develop an imaginative and creative communications program designed to obtain positive public understanding and maximum acceptance of the hotel by all its publics, including press, travel planners, government, business and local communities, employees and guests.
• To develop and maintain high-level contacts with key media in the community and to ensure proper dissemination of the hotel’s policy, objectives and actions to the general public.
• Cross sell other Hilton Worldwide wherever possible.

CUSTOMER/GUEST

• Occasionally participate in the special handling of VIP guests as requested by Executive committee.
• Photography, predicated on VIP Guest compliance.
• Personal appearance and/or media interviews for hotel entertainers or celebrity guests.
• Welcome letters, calls and personal meetings.

PROFIT

• Manage the coordination of cross-selling, joint marketing initiatives and other hotel/brand synergies to maximize exposure and profitability including agency contact, media planning and hotel communications.
• Align the Marketing Plan to the Revenue Plan ensuring promotion of the hotel leads to achieving revenue targets and profitability.
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.

PEOPLE

• Maintain good relationships with partners airlines, tourist boards etc. to ensure maximisation of foreign media contacts. Drive Hilton’s participation in their publicity programs.
• To hire, develop and ensure appropriate training and disciplinary action for a PR support team. Control and approve all overtime and vacation planning for the team.
• Welcome all visiting media with full itineraries and press kits and provide them with the hotel’s key messages.
• Conduct daily PR briefings with team to communicate the requirements for upcoming functions and events.
• Act as liaison between senior management and media or other public contact.  Assist senior management with preparation of press statements and the handling of crisis situations.
• Supervise all arrangements for photographers on assignments and personally ensure the photography complies with Hilton image library standards.
• Take part in regular calls with other Hilton hotel PR teams as well as the regional/area PR Director to maximize awareness of the Hotels activities.
• Establish in-house communications (e.g. Newsletter or bulletin board) for keeping employees informed of corporate announcements, in-hotel and/or community activities involving hotel staff participation, with the HR division’s support. This is as and when required.
• Assist with planning for employee special events.
• Generate external publicity on internal employee motivation programs.
• Meet monthly with the appropriate hotel teams.
• Maintain a good working relationship with other departments, employees, and guests.
• Encourages team work and spirit in all areas of the department
• To lead by example at all times.
• To provide direction and support to the team on a daily basis.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Strong analytical skills to understand key business indicators and competitive trends and develop approaches to these challenges.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal / relationship building skills in order to develop outstanding relationships both internal and external to the hotel.
• Proficiency with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft.