Director, Communications - Orlando, United States - Universal Orlando

Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: Universal Creative, a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, imagines, designs, develops and delivers the most compelling entertainment experiences around the world including innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and resorts and new ventures. With innovations inspired by some of the most creative minds in entertainment, Universal's theme parks are where amazing technology, cinematic greatness and sheer ingenuity come together to bring guests inside the world's most loved stories. The Director, Communications is a key leadership role that requires an experienced communications strategist and tactician with proven experience in external communications, media relations and social media, employee communications and events, and executive communications. This leader must be able to operate and embrace a fast pace, new and stimulating challenges, and who will help lead the global implementation of internal and external strategies designed to position Universal Creative as the leader in innovative themed entertainment, a global employer of choice, a leader and disruptor in the marketplace, and a strong community citizen. This role is ideal for someone who is a theme park enthusiast who is up for the challenge of helping to deliver some of the most innovative developments themed entertainment has seen.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute an annual communication plan with holistic communications strategies and programs to support key business initiatives. Position Universal Creative, its people, its ingenuity and its product as innovative and leading in the marketplace. Champion the UDX EVP mindset to be the Employer of Choice. Demonstrate through elevated communications capabilities – including media relations, thought leadership initiatives and speaking engagements, award submissions and strategic and effective storytelling – an ability to partner with internal teams (like the Brand Studio, Engineering, Advanced Technology Initiatives, Human Resources) and key partners, like the Chief Creative Officer and SVP, HR, to mine for story ideas and bring content to life across a variety of internal and external channels. Lead team in the implementation of these programs. Serve as a supporting external spokesperson for UDX Corporate Communications team and pitch appropriate Creative developments to media in coordination with Corporate Communications. Serve as the voice and subject matter expert for product publicity and experiential releases and announcements, partnering with global destination marketing and PR teams. Measure effectiveness of programs and establish KPIs for programs to deliver impact to organization.
• Lead internal communications team, content and editorial calendar and partner with HR and Team Member Experience team to bring events to life through powerful content. Responsible for internal communications channels, including intranet, digital displays and newsletter. Lead and execute State of Creative, the annual internal Town Hall. Mentor and develop internal communications team and implement training to ensure ongoing communication capability development.
• Develop executive communications strategy and lead associated content development including script writing, memos, LinkedIn posts and messaging for President, Universal Creative. Serve as a trusted communications advisor and thought partner to sr. leadership. Participate as a member of the broader crisis communications team, as appropriate. Serve as a bridge to Marketing to ensure Creative's voice and product is well represented, accurate, and brand-building. Lead team to maintain an executive communications calendar. Partner closely with the Brand Studio team on key presentations.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally designed to build and protect the reputation of Universal Creative. Review external speaking engagement presentations and approve content presented at industry events (including IAAPA, and TEA). Contribute to corporate-owned channels and partner with the Corporate Communications team to ensure Creative visibility and share of voice. Using established brand toolkits as a guideline, support internal groups in developing an appropriate brand presence and voice at key events and moments. Support content development for NBCU-level initiatives and Creative executive appearances at NBCU-level events.
• Manage vendors and deliver weekly global communications calendar and activity report to ensure alignment.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Proven ability to use research and insights to plan, execute, and evaluate communications plans in support of company initiatives. Drives news coverage proactively with a fluency in media relations, PR, or corporate communications.
• Demonstrated capability to serve as a trusted communications partner and counselor to Sr. Executives.
• Ability to proactive identify, create, and distribute content for a leading brand that operates in a high-volume business and industry. Experience establishing KPIs and measuring the performance of content.
• Competence in dealing with sensitive or controversial matters on a frequent and recurring basis and ability to effectively apply issues and crisis management capabilities to mitigate risk and organizational impact.
• Effectively sell in programs and ideas to advance the function and its goals; ability to present information to top management, public groups, and/or industry leaders.
• Able to be nimble and adapt, demonstrating an ability to handle multiple concurrent, often conflicting priorities.
• Knowledge and proven experience in internal communications and executive communications with an ability to work collaboratively across communication groups.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field, or comparable experience, required. A Masters Degree a plus.

EXPERIENCE: 10+ years related experience required; 3+ years of supervisory experience. APR certification a plus. Social media certification is a plus.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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