Job Description
Cunard is an international luxury cruise line, steeped in British heritage with a history spanning more than 183 years.
A company within the Carnival Corporation family of cruise brands, Cunard has pioneered transatlantic crossings and world cruising for generations. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and renowned White Star Service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.
There are currently three Cunard ships in service, flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, with a fourth ship, Queen Anne, debuting in 2024. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.
We’re looking for an amazing Public Relations Specialist to support Cunard’s North American office which is based in Santa Clarita, California. You’ll be responsible for providing department support to Cunard Public Relations, to generate positive awareness and publicity for the Cunard brand in US/Canadian consumer and trade markets. Specialist works closely with Director on all facets of the business, as well as with Cunard Manager of PR and Special Events, and with NYC-based PR agency, MGA Media Group. The Specialist is responsible for: supporting Cunard PR on all facets of media relations, including acting as a key liaison with media and related queries, writing and responding to media queries, issuing press releases, driving news distribution and monitoring and hosting Press FAMs. Specialist also supports Department and Manager on all facets of Event Management and related logistics. Specialist is the key contact for Voyage Donation requests, coordination and management. Supports Brand and Sponsorship relationships by preparing presentations, tracking and driving organizational deliverables. Specialist also collaborates with other NAM Cunard departments: Marketing, Customer Service, Sales and Revenue Management. Specialist also supports Director in working with outside vendors and PR firms and consultants as relevant.
Here’s a summary of what Cunard is looking for in its Public Relations Specialist. Is this you?
Responsibilities
- Collaborates with internal Cunard departments and PR agency to review copy, crafting and delivering key brand messages.
- Handles media query responses for fact and photo requests, articles, executive interviews with input from Director and PR firm (as relevant)
- Write and distribute Press FAM overview communications to relevant press partners/shipboard staff
- Hosts shipboard Press FAMs and other media events
- Leads the planning and implementation of several, annual multi-layered special events, media events and NAM regional city ship visits; drives related logistics and coordination, from conception to completion, including invitation development and execution, RSVPs, security details, and travel with input from Director.
- Acts as day to day contact for relationships with external partners, vendors, event collaborators and shipboard staff. Acts as host and brand representative at events.
- Guides shipboard visitors on event process, procedures and security protocol guidelines.
- Creates budget tracking systems and manages budget for special events, press conferences, briefings, trade shows and other media functions; supports Director and other department heads in the management of ship launches.
- Identifies, vets, analyzes, recommends, and coordinates strategic, high visibility sponsorship and/or brand relationship opportunities which provide positive halo effect awareness for the brand, resulting in increased bookings
- Manages day-to-day aspects of these relationships including interfacing with external partners, vendors, cross department and Head Office Shoreside colleagues and shipboard staff, and identifies key integration opportunities.
- Manages the agreement inclusion details between brand and partner, i.e., agreement on program, public relations and marketing participation for celebrity Cunard Insights guests
- Makes recommendations for proper distribution of news releases; leads press release distribution and posting releases in cunard.com newsroom
- Monitors and files key editorial clips; produces media results highlight reports which is distributed to global teams and management.
- Proactively liaises with vendors on critical system updates; makes best practices recommendations
- Maintains current press and photo materials and ensures they are organized and can be retrieved easily.
- Responsible for content creation, calendar maintenance and execution of social media posts for NAM Sales FB page; liaises with NAM Marketing team and UK PR teams on timely and relevant content.
- Responsible for providing ongoing content to Cunard LI page
- Reviews and promptly responds to daily correspondence re miscellaneous topics, i.e., media queries, sponsorship opportunities, interview requests, voyage donation solicitations, sales requests, etc.
- Provides budget estimates for requested/recommended activities and reviews for accuracy prior to approval submission. Reviews invoices for accuracy, coding as appropriate and forwarding to Director for additional review/approval; works w Finance Analyst to set up new vendors.
- Maintains inventory and tracking system for press/swag gifts
- Actively participates in and attends weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings/conference calls as needed
- Proactively and regularly maintains master event and press release calendars
Requirements
- 2-5+ years of experience in public relations or communications in either a corporate setting or agency.
- 2+ years of project management experience.
- Experience in media relations and social media, event planning, partnership relationships
- Experience and ease with writing press releases, content
- Experience in evaluating media queries, interview opportunities, partnership initiatives
- Understanding of Press FAM vetting, process, organization, logistics, working with multiple external constituents to deliver outstanding FAM experience to media
- Understanding of financial management – budgets, accruals and forecasting
- Demonstrated ability to project-manage multiple stakeholders to deliver common objectives
- Experience in travel/hospitality public relations environment is not required but desirable. Previous experience managing entry level staff preferred but not essential.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills – written and verbal – are required to communicate with senior management, other departments, agencies, shoreside and shipboard colleagues
- Strong ability to craft – at times on short notice – various categories of copy, including press release writing, social media, marketing and sales copy, and crisis communications verbiage
- Proven track record of managing simultaneous, multiple and often high-profile complex events and initiatives from inception to completion
- Very strong analytical skills with ability to pro-actively present and resolve complex issues and results, with minimal supervision from Director
- Ease and agility with social media platforms and related trends/technology
- Microsoft Office
- PPT/presentation programs
- Adobe
- Highly motivated, independent thinker and generator of on-brand, strategic partnership and event opportunities; strong ability to vet complex details and minutia of such opportunities
- Outstanding time management skills – track record of managing daily multiple projects ability to prioritize changing action items
- Enthusiasm for travel and travel/cruise industry; availability to travel regularly – including outside of regular work hours – to be key point person for special events and host of Press FAMs
- Respond to time-sensitive matters such as crisis communications management and deployment, the necessity to issue press and social media communications, project management leading up to special events, and other situations which may arise on a global basis
- Natural ability to build and maintain relationships
- Outstanding work ethic
- Team player
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Cunard is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time (e.g., H-1B status).
What You Can Expect
- Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
- Health Benefits
- 401(k)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Training & Professional Development
- Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement
- Rewards & Incentives
- Base Salary Range: $ 67,800.00 to $ 91,500.00. The range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates’ qualifications and experience uniquely.
Our Culture… Stronger Together
Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: https://www.princess.com/aboutus/culture-framework/.
Cunard/Princess is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Cunard will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact recruiting@hollandamericagroup.com
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