Job details
Job Type Full-time
Benefits Pulled from the full job description
Health insurance
Dental insurance
401(k)
Flexible spending account
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Full Job Description
Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that’s just what it’s like to work here! As a key member of our team, you’ll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you’re dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!
The Communications Manager develops, coordinates and directs public relations strategies to enhance the Busch Gardens and Adventure Island brands. This role is responsible for supporting all communications initiatives, including developing and executing strategic earned media plans; support and execute internal communications initiatives for employee ambassadors; issues response and crisis communications; media inquiries and developing media relations. This Manager engages with the media and leadership team daily to provide accurate and timely information and protect Busch Gardens reputation in the media and also serving as a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay spokesperson when needed. In this position, you will respond to journalists inquiring about a list of topics, write press releases and advisories for the Tampa Parks’ branded or co-branded events and will provide support during all potential emergencies, aiding with crisis communications. This manager will also collaborate with the Social Content Manager on social media influencer initiatives.
What you get to do:
- Develop and execute communications strategic plan
- Lead public relations strategies to gain exposure for new attraction and product launches
- Write press releases, media alerts and other Marketing copyrighting needs
- Research and respond to inbound media inquiries
- 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
- Measure and report on recent media coverage and a broad range of media monitoring metrics
- Identify opportunities for executive thought leadership. Research, design and craft content and support for these opportunities; Prepare leadership and other staff for media interviews and other audiences
- Provide media interviews to gain exposure for new initiatives, market launches
- Identify new opportunities and venues to gain positive media exposure
- Develop public-facing crisis communications when needed
- Work outside of traditional office hours to respond to pressing items
- Support and execute internal communications initiatives for Ambassadors in collaboration with Human Resources and park leadership
- Support other Marketing functions as needed; assist leadership with various special projects or other duties as assigned according to business need
- Works in an integrated manner with other marketing disciplines and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment corporate team to coordinate communication and public relations strategies and tactics
- Work in a team environment and always demonstrate a positive and professional demeanor
What is takes to succeed:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Communications, with 2+ years of leadership experience. Theme Park or entertainment experience preferred, experience working with zoos or aquariums a plus.
- Fluent in English required, Spanish fluency a plus.
- Experience working with executives and members of the media.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience writing in AP style, editing press releases and other communications materials.
- Proficiency in PowerPoint and Microsoft Office 365.
- Outstanding interpersonal and dynamic public speaking skills
- Crisis communication experience.
- Able to thrive in a dynamic environment and be able to proactively respond to issues in a professional manner, especially under pressure.
- Local, regional, and national media contacts preferred.
- Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Able to work effectively with a variety of groups including park leadership, agencies, and board of directors
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from a variety of individuals and groups.
- 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 frequently lift/move 25 pounds and stand for prolonged periods of time
- Regularly use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, handle, feel, stoop, crawl or kneel
The perks of the position:
As part of the SeaWorld family, you’ll enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment and great teammates, as well as:
- Competitive salary
- Company paid time off
- Complimentary park tickets and passes
- In-park discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k plan
- Voluntary insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Dependent and health care flexible spending accounts
- Employee assistant program
- Legal assistance program
Join the team!
If you’re looking for the opportunity to make the most of your abilities in a one-of-a-kind setting with an entertainment industry leader, we’re looking for you!
