Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic public relations plans that enhance awareness and reputation of Talking Stick Resort and SRPMIC.
• Serve as the primary media spokesperson and point of contact for local, regional, and national media.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and official statements.
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, site visits, and media coverage for major announcements, events, and entertainment acts.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; proactively address opportunities and challenges.
• Ensure all public-facing communications accurately reflect the culture, values, and history of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community.
• Support SRPMIC initiatives by promoting cultural events, community programs, charitable partnerships, and economic development efforts.
• Collaborate with Tribal departments and leadership to align messaging between the Community and Talking Stick Resort.
• Represent Talking Stick Resort at community events, tourism functions, civic engagements, and industry conferences.
• Maintain consistent brand voice and messaging aligned with Talking Stick Resort’s luxury, entertainment, and hospitality positioning.
• Support PR efforts related to gaming, hotel, dining, spa, golf, nightlife, and large-scale entertainment and special events.
• Work closely with Marketing, Digital, Advertising, and Entertainment teams to integrate PR into promotional campaigns.
• Assist in developing executive communications, talking points, speeches, and internal announcements as needed.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans specific to a Tribal casino resort environment.
• Respond promptly and professionally to sensitive or high-visibility issues, coordinating with Executive Leadership, SRPMIC officials, Legal, and Security.
• Protect the reputation of both Talking Stick Resort and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community at all times.
• Track and report PR performance metrics including media impressions, reach, and sentiment.
• Prepare briefings and reports for Executive Leadership and SRPMIC as requested.
• Stay current on gaming industry trends, tourism, hospitality PR best practices, and Tribal enterprise issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of public relations experience required, preferably in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, or Tribal enterprises.
• Proven experience required working directly with media and managing high-profile publicity.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of Tribal sovereignty and respect for Native American culture and governance.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.
• Experience working with or for a Tribal government or Tribal-owned enterprise preferred.
• Crisis communication experience in a casino, resort, or regulated environment preferred.
• Knowledge of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and gaming industry operations preferred.
• Experience supporting executive leadership or elected Tribal officials preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Social Media platforms. Familiarity with project management software and video/photo editing is a plus.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.

Preferred

• Experience working with or for a Tribal government or Tribal-owned enterprise preferred
• Crisis communication experience in a casino, resort, or regulated environment preferred
• Knowledge of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and gaming industry operations preferred
• Experience supporting executive leadership or elected Tribal officials preferred