Director of Communications

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com.

Location

The Joule Dallas, TX

Built in the 1920s, the neo-Gothic landmark building at 1530 Main Street was originally the Dallas National Bank. It dominated the downtown skyline during a thriving era of Dallas banking and West Texas oil booms. Downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, but as the 20th century drew to a close, it was a shadow of its former glory. A decade of development deals and massive renovations transformed the then-vacant bank building into a Forbes four-star boutique hotel. Aptly named after the international unit of energy, The Joule brought a charge to downtown Dallas when it opened in 2008. Through a series of further renovations and expansions as adjacent properties became available, The Joule has become a cultural, shopping, and dining destination—a forerunner in the renaissance of downtown Dallas.

Overview

We are looking for a Director who will oversee, develop and execute a strategic PR and communications plan that increases awareness and positive perception of the hotel, its restaurants, residences, services and personnel. This person will have strong leadership, interpersonal and analytical skills. Is able to prioritize and adapt to the changing needs of the operation, and can evidence having a solid work ethic, good business acumen and a passion for service.

Responsibilities

• Is proactive and creative in identifying and developing integrated communications, programming and social media programs which capitalize on unique and newsworthy market opportunities as well as leveraging unexpected opportunities as they arise.
• Engages in media and community relations by actively managing professional relationships with local and regional media and community leaders that will benefit the hotel and company as a whole. Includes hosting media, assisting with photo shoots and supporting social public relations. Acts as hotel spokesperson where appropriate.
• Understands Hotels marketplace; well-informed of market trends; and implements change as dictated by market requirements.
• Leads marketing and communications conversations with department heads and liaises with the hotels business leaders on programming recommendations that ensure market relevancy.
• Creates partnerships with local brands and businesses that align to the hotels positioning.
• Ensures the propertys brand identity is carried through all communications.
• Collaborates with key internal and external stakeholders, third-parties and agencies to accomplish objectives.
• Plays a key role in reputation management; acts as a strategic communications advisor to management by keeping track of public attitudes, flagging possible consequences of prospective decisions, developing key messages and managing issues and crisis communications.
• Uses a strategic approach in overseeing the Hotels community relations, CSR initiatives, internal communications and other activities specific to the Hotel and its VIP guests.
• Develop, manage and monitor the Hotels social media channel strategy adhering to corporate guidelines.
• Work with HHMs corporate eCommerce team to identify and execute paid social media campaigns to engage both global staying guests and local audiences for F&B and Spa
• Plan, organize and oversee all photography and videography sessions in coordination with corporate Marketing Director for the hotel to ensure the right assets are in place for media, digital and collateral use. These include major collateral photography, food and beverage shots and press release photos.
• Plan regular contact with past guests through email marketing and CRM tools in coordination with corporate Marketing Director and corporate eCommerce.
• Ensures the hotels web presence (websites, microsites, tactical landing pages, etc.) is up-to-date and aligned with the Hotels positioning and business objectives.
• Works with Sales leaders to develop awareness campaigns and sales materials.
• Follow sustainability guidelines and practices related to HHMs EarthView program

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years experience as a director or manager of public relations
• Prior experience in a mixed-use residential hotel is preferred.
• A university degree in journalism or communications or equivalent experience in public relations or journalism
• Strong and effective interpersonal skills
• Proven relationships with media, community and business contacts that have delivered demonstrable results, and the personality to maximize these contacts
• Excellent communications skills (verbal and written), a strong sense of quality and a creative mind set
• A self-starter that can multitask and prioritize
• Proficiency in leveraging social media networks and related monitoring tools
• The ability to create newsworthy events, develop story ideas and follow through with pitch leads