Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
Global Brand Public Relations is an integral function of Marriott’s Global Communications & Public Affairs (GCPA) department which leads Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal Communications, Government Affairs, Social Impact, and Multicultural Affairs for the Company. The Director, Luxury Brand Public Relations (PR), manages the strategic public relations for two key brands in Marriott’s luxury brand portfolio, as well as the company’s overall luxury brand portfolio – MILUX. Under the leadership of the Senior Vice President (SVP), Global Brand and Portfolio Public Relations, the Director role leads PR for the luxury brands of The Ritz-Carlton, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, as well as the MILUX portfolio overall, and consults on the PR for brand extensions including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. While the Director role has specific brand responsibility, the role will work collaboratively with the Senior Director, Luxury, to support the overall luxury portfolio. The Director, Luxury Brand PR reports to the SVP, Global Brand and Portfolio PR and has one direct report. The Director, Luxury Brand PR works at Marriott’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland or MI Lab in New York City.
Working with the SVP, the Director establishes the PR vision for The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis brands and works with the team to identify goals and KPIs to drive results. The Director, Luxury Brand PR is focused on the successful PR positioning of both of the luxury brands within its scope to drive brand affinity as well as building awareness of the overall MILUX portfolio of luxury brands, including the executive positioning of the newly appointed President, Luxury. The Director, Luxury Brand PR, working with the SVP, is responsible for fully integrating public relations into each brand’s overall consumer marketing plans and communications objectives, developing and successfully executing these consumer-focused public relations plans utilizing proven PR practices as well as out-of-the-box thinking that drives awareness of, and action by, the company’s target consumers.
The Director, Luxury Brand PR will work closely with the Luxury brand and marketing organization as well as with PR colleagues in the continent to ensure the company presents an aligned global luxury narrative. It is the responsibility of this position to understand and embrace brand voice, charting unique positioning for both of the brands within Marriott’s luxury portfolio as well as developing the overall portfolio narrative. Working with the SVP, Global Brand and Portfolio PR, this role will implement break through PR activations, transformational media or other brand partnerships and leverage trends to drive consumer action as well as brand distinction. The Director, Luxury Brand PR is focused on story telling around prominent (“brand halo”) openings and brand innovations. In addition, the Director will focus on PR exposure that amplifies the Marriott Luxury portfolio’s marketing activations. This role works hand in glove with the VPs of Marketing for the luxury brands to ensure brand initiatives have press legs.
Job Expectations
The position will be responsible for driving PR strategies for Marriott International’s luxury brand portfolio and fully integrating public relations into both brand’s overall consumer marketing plans and communications objectives ensuring programs drive consumer action as well as brand distinction and leverage the power of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands.
- Creative Ideation & External Lens: Responsibilities of this role include working with the SVP, Global Brand and Portfolio PR on the development and implementation of creative approaches to attract media attention and interest in Marriott’s brand stories – whether that’s through unique partnerships, creative pitching, experiential activations, one-of-a-kind events or leaning into trends (including sustainability and DEI) and the cultural zeitgeist in a way that is authentic for the specific brand. This role relies on a continual focus on communication trends and themes externally. As part of the responsibilities, the Director will need to develop a broad awareness of the external environment and its applicability to Marriott’s communications. The Director will be responsible for generating ideas and leading execution separate from and in conjunction with agency support.
- Media Relationships: A critical component of this role is to partner with the SVP and use their already established extensive media relationships – preferably in key luxury and consumer outlets – or develop relationships in this very critical niche of the media and other key outlets/journalists in order to continually pitch Marriott brand stories.
- Writing: The individual in this role is responsible for creating, editing and developing their own PR materials – as well as reviewing and editing PR materials of the direct report – including messaging, news releases, executive briefs, talking points, presentations and pitches, among other documents.
- Team Management: The Director has one direct report and dotted line management responsibility for a team member who also supports the PR work for the overall luxury brand portfolio. Together, with the Senior Director, the director is responsible for creating and maintaining a team environment that encourages accountability, high standards, innovation, emphasizing strong business performance, including meeting and/or exceeding goals as well as driving both GCPA and Marriott’s objectives, as well as cultivating an understanding of and appreciation for the Marriott culture. In addition, the Director is an example of a good Company steward and promotes Marriott’s core values.
- Collaboration: The Director coordinates with other departments and teams – including within Global Brand and Portfolio PR, across GCPA and the company more broadly – and builds strong working relationships. This role also creates strong professional relationships both internally and externally.
- Resource Management: The Director strategically manages agency resources as well as assigned budget. Reviews contracts and expenses; has approval authorization for certain expenses.
- Measurement: This position will also monitor and measure success using tools and resources available; deliver timely reports to key stakeholders that provide analysis of results.
Requirements for Position
Successful candidates should possess knowledge and experience and demonstrate strong leadership and relationship skills as follows:
- An exceptional portfolio reflecting 10+ years of communications experience in public relations. Luxury brand experience, luxury hospitality experience, or knowledge about the hospitality business preferred.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of public relations, media relations and consumer media. Experience leading a PR organization as well as overseeing the work of PR agencies.
- Superior communications skills, both verbal and written. Ability to develop and implement highly effective strategic and measurable communications plans.
- Creative problem-solving skills and excellent time management. Ability to manage the multiple PR campaigns simultaneously across a portfolio of multiple brands with the ability to influence multiple stakeholders.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships and interact with associates at all levels within the organization and with the general public.
- Desire and flexibility to travel and attend luxury brand events and hotel openings.
- Ability to routinely work from the NYC Office or HQ office in Bethesda.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a concentration in Communications, Journalism, English, or Marketing; Master’s degree a plus.
The salary range for this position is $130,500.00 to $239,250.00 annually. This position offers health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, accrued paid time off (including sick leave where applicable), life insurance, disability coverage, other life and work wellness benefits and may include incentive compensation. Benefits and incentive compensation may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.
Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. Marriott International considers for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.
About the Team
Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. We believe a great career is a journey of discovery and exploration. So, we ask, where will your journey take you?