Responsibilities

• Owns the external PR strategy, setting annual priorities, narrative pillars, and measurement standards that advance brand reputation and business goals.
• Establishes and maintains media relations to ensure favorable coverage of company assets, activities, and announcements. Acts as chief spokesperson to the media.
• Develops and oversees the creation of press releases, executive speeches, talking points, statements, and other external communication pieces.
• Builds and manages an executive thought-leadership platform for the President and senior leaders, including bylined content, speaking opportunities, and industry forums.
• Leads planning and execution of special events, press trips, inaugurals, and other brand moments that promote the company's image, products, and achievements.
• Maintains corporate visibility with industry and trade associations and represents the company at major industry and trade functions.
• Manages the company's response to unforeseen challenges that arise in the business operating environment, including crisis communications and issues management.
• Administers corporate contributions and community affairs and represents the company at community events.
• Manages award programs, including solicitation for votes and promotion of recognitions earned.
• Defines PR and communications KPIs — including share of voice, sentiment, message pull-through, and reach — and reports performance and learnings to executive leadership on a regular cadence.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience across public relations and communications, including demonstrated experience leading partnerships and internal communications; experience in the travel, hospitality, or leisure industry strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage, building strategic partnerships, and delivering internal communications programs that drive employee engagement.
• Knowledge of trade press, industry associations, consumer travel publications, and the influencer and partner landscape relevant to travel and lifestyle audiences.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and providing counsel to senior executives, including in crisis or high-sensitivity situations.
• Exceptional organizational, management, and communication skills, including writing, editing, and public speaking.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience structuring and managing partnership agreements.
• People-leadership experience, including building teams and managing external agencies.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred

Benefits

• For full-time employees, Windstar offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Vacation, Sick Time and paid Holidays; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals.

Company Overview

• Awowerded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors.