HEAD OF CONSUMER PUBLIC RELATIONS

KOA, INC. DEI STATEMENT
At KOA, we believe the outdoors is fun and for everyone. We are committed to having a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where all are treated with dignity and respect. We strive to:

• intentionally create a sense of community and belonging for our guests, employees and franchise partners
• continually educate ourselves and advance our understanding about DEI
• sustain a culture that promotes diversity of thought and experiences
• ensure everyone has the ability to experience the outdoors and that our facilities are accessible to all
• drive change in our company and industry through action and implementation

REPORTS TO
Senior Vice President, Marketing
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world’s largest network of privately owned campgrounds and the leader in outdoor hospitality. KOA has 500+ locations across the United States and Canada including a mix of franchised and company-owned parks. Founded in 1962, the mission of KOA is “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” and those who represent the brand share the values of being family-oriented, passionate, entrepreneurial, customer-focused and innovative.
GENERAL DUTIES
This role is responsible for managing the KOA brand image and messages to consumer media and our campers across North America. Coordinates and leads all CONSUMER PUBLIC RELATIONS efforts including proactive outreach and crisis management. Manages relationships with PUBLIC RELATIONS agencies and is responsible for developing and executing annual PR plan with budget oversight and responsibility. Serves as a senior leader within the organization.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Media Relations

• Serve as KOA’s main point of contact for consumer media. Develop and maintain media relationships.
• Create, lead and execute CONSUMER PUBLIC RELATIONS campaigns and projects.
• Provide senior executive-level PUBLIC RELATIONS expertise.
• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Coordinate industry appearances, presentations and media engagements and maintain a calendar of events for executive leadership.
• Monitor and report daily media pick up, ensuring KOA maintains its leadership position against a competitive set.
• Craft compelling press releases, media alerts, pitches, columns, bylined articles and announcements to capture diverse audiences.
• Promote key media coverage internally; leverage coverage to support marketing and communication, brand awareness and lead generation.
• Manage North American PUBLIC RELATIONS agencies.

Issues Management

• Maintain crisis communication and business continuity strategy.
• Manage development of crisis response strategies, reactive statements, FAQs and other deliverables as needed.
• Respond to intermittent and unexpected issues that may occur and result in work activity occurring outside the hours of standard working hours.
• Track record of successfully navigating crisis management issues.

Analytical Skills

• Assesses situations from all relevant angles to derive business appropriate solutions.
• Ability to interpret data from market analysis and research.
• Apply critical thinking as needed for effective resolutions.
• Strong attention to detail in own work and that of other staff.

Organization & Planning

• Has effective organization skills and can manage a broad variety of tactics and activities.
• Plans and organizes business unit annual plans and budgets.
• Flexible in responding to change and adaptive in goals, timeline and tactics in response to unexpected factors.
• Ability to manage multiple external partners, vendors and support such as PR, marketing and communications, advertising, market research, event and other business vendors.

Communication & Teamwork

• Provides supervision and project goals/management actions to other communications team members on specific tasks where relevant. Inspires confidence and support in other employees.
• Ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of stakeholders including news media, campground owners, partner agencies, team members, and senior executives.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven record of managing staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s Degree (Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or English) with 10+ years of business experience.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Ability to synthesize data and analytics to understand performance and drive optimizations in current and future campaigns.
• Proven experience in pitching to a variety of media channels and audiences
• Skilled in writing and editing for a variety of audiences via numerous marketing platforms. AP Style preferred.
• Works constructively and collaboratively with internal teams and outside agencies who share project responsibilities.
• Agency background a plus, but not required.
• Ability to conceptualize big ideas and execute plans across business units.
• Collaborates and thrives in a corporate environment with a professional and positive attitude.
• Has a passion for KOA values and the outdoor industry.
• Has a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel as needed.
• Agrees to a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Must speak and write English fluently.
• Requires use of hands for typing, handling paperwork, & other office functions such as copying, sorting, & filing.
• Requires long periods of sitting and viewing computer screens.
• Ability to travel by air or car, as needed.
• Billings, MT-based preferred (hybrid work schedule optional)

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to provide an environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect. The company is committed to fair treatment of all persons. This value ensures employees and candidates are treated equally, and are protected from discrimination or harassment of any kind. This includes discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.
Benefits Offered:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Account
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Retirement Plan
• 401K Company Contributions

Paid parental leave, Health savings account, Disability insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Flexible spending account, Paid time off, Parental leave, Employee assistance program, Vision insurance, Life insurance