Manager, Public Relations (Communications)

The Manager, Public Relations develops, coordinates, and directs Public Relations strategies to enhance the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Tampa Bay brands. This role is responsible for supporting all external communications initiatives, including developing and executing strategic earned media plans, managing media inquiries and pitching new stories, issuing response and crisis communications, and building strong relationships with local media across all mediums.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Proactively and reactively work with journalists to pitch stories via the creation of press releases, media alerts and advisories. Research and respond to inbound media inquiries. Measure and report on recent media coverage and a broad range of media monitoring metrics.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to gain exposure for new attractions (ride, animals, shows) and product launches (ticket sales, annual pass, etc).
• Serve as a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay spokesperson on air, in print and at press events, providing media interviews to gain exposure for new initiatives, market launches. Prepare leadership and other staff for media interviews and other audiences.
• Support media relations and influencer engagement efforts for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, including escorting media in-park, writing copy, coverage reports, media list maintenance and arranging media visits and giveaways. Together with the special events team, plan and execute media events on site, inclusion curation of media for guest list, activities, and tours.
• Cross functional collaboration across other Park departments like Zoo, Entertainment, Engineering and within marketing to assure awareness and compliance with media visits and events. Works in an integrated manner with other marketing disciplines and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment corporate team to coordinate communication and Public Relations strategies and tactics.
• Develop public-facing crisis communications and together with the leadership and Corporate team, work with the media to keep them informed. Engage with the leadership team daily to provide accurate and timely information. Attend all internal briefings relevant to the park as they occur, including on nights and weekends.
• Identify opportunities for executive thought leadership. Research, design and craft content and support for these opportunities. Identify new opportunities and venues to gain positive media exposure.
• Support other Marketing functions as needed; assist leadership with various special projects or other duties as assigned according to business need

What is takes to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Public Relations, with 2+ years of working directly with the media. Hospitality/destination experience preferred, experience working with zoos or aquariums a plus.
• Fluent in English required, Spanish fluency a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience writing in AP style, editing press releases and other communications materials.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and a high degree of quick turn projects. Able to thrive in a dynamic environment and be able to proactively respond to issues in a professional manner, especially under pressure. Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding interpersonal and dynamic public speaking skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from a variety of individuals and groups.
• Crisis communication experience.
• Local, regional, and national media contacts preferred.
• Ability to manage budgets.
• Work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late evenings as needed.
• Able to positively and respectfully interact with media, key stakeholders, park guests, general public and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs. Able to work effectively with a variety of groups including park leadership, agencies, and board of directors.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Microsoft Office 365.