VP Communications, Government and Owner Relations (Finance)

Job Description Summary

Who are we?

We are Sonesta! We are the 8th largest hotel group in the US....and we are growing! As enthusiastic hospitality professionals, we open our doors and welcome the world. Sonesta offers service with a passion, loyalty with a purpose, and a commitment to the many faces-new and familiar-that stay with us. The human side of hospitality is the core of our culture. Our mission is to wow every guest, team member, partner and community in which we operate by delivering quality, value and amazing hospitality. We bring these principles to every one of our over 1000 managed and franchised properties in eight countries-and growing.

Who are you?

You are a passionate thought leader with an established background in corporate communications and PR. You will have a strong track record in developing and executing innovative strategies across a broad range of communication needs, including: internal and external communications, investor relations and public statements, crisis and issue management and community relations. You are fully and equally adept at managing media outlets, governmental and industry relations, and important messages to stakeholders within our company for all manner of sensitive and routine topics. With a focus on driving meaningful and measurable results, you will have demonstrated success in building a strong communications function and team.

The great things you will do

This role will oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and owner relations strategy for Sonesta International Hotels Corporation that supports, builds, promotes and protects Sonesta as a leader in the travel and leisure industry. With responsibility for integration and alignment of communications, you will leverage research and marketplace intelligence and agency/Public Relations (PR) vendor relationships to inform and execute your communications strategies with guidance of executive management. The VP Communications will lead the development of integrated reputation campaigns across our business and be responsible for external, internal and executive communications, research and insights, issues management, stakeholder engagement and, where required, industry association and governmental relationships.

Job Description

Responsibilities

While leading and motivat ing our communications team members, enabling them to produce first rate work in challenging timeframes and within a pivoting environment , your primary responsibilities will center on three general focus areas:

Enterprise Strategic Communications

• D evelop and h elp execute our internal and external communications strategies , including crafting a global, strategic communications plan to support our executive s' engagement with our team members, investors, franchisees and the industry , and reputation management .

• O versee research and insight for lodging industry matters, ensuring that our team is prepared to speak about, and manage through, important current events.

• I nterface with appropriate industry associations , such as the AHLA and , as needed, government entities , to stay abreast of relevant developments and further company interests.

• C ollaborate with our affiliated companies when appropriate on coordinated messaging that spans our larger organization and captures broader strategic alignment.

• P rovide strategic advice, leadership and execution in preparing and effectively managing crisis communications plans for our corporate, managed and franchise operations teams , and t ake a lead ing role, in conjunction with executives, in assessing reputational risks and opportunities , escalating issues when appropriate , and leading efforts to mitigate and manage such elevated concerns .

Franchise and Lodging Industry Communications

• D evelop and execute PR strategies that align with B2C business goals, focusing on consumer brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty.

• M anage PR AOR relationships and drive B2C P R initiatives including brand programs, partnerships and media activations.

• L ead consumer-facing PR and editorial efforts spanning major t ravel and l ifestyle publications.

• I dentify and collaborate with key influencers, brand ambassadors, and other partners to amplify PR campaigns and reach consumer audiences.

• Partner with the development and marketing leads on editorial efforts for all trade media, including for trade events that feature our hotels and/or our employees.

• S upport the Lodging Development group in its communications to current and prospective franchisees , domestic and international.

• R esearch, collect and prepar e materials to support advisory board meetings and other industry conferences , inclusive of preparation for speaker panels or interviews.

Internal Communications

• L ead and provide strategic guidance to assist senior executives in preparing for all manner of internal meetings, such as "town hall" video calls , company conferences and other speeches, presentations and interviews .

• P artner with our C hief P eople O fficer to produce communications and tools that engage our employees and reinforce our mission/values .

• C ollaborate with other teams to plan and implement internal communication strategies t hat enable the delivery of clea r, consistent messages across the business , including oversight and editorial responsibility for internal newsletters and intranet sites .

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

The ideal candidate

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, political science or related field .

• S easoned communications expert with a minimum of 10 - 15 years of relevant experience , including at a PR firm; service industry and/or hospitality experience would also be an advantage .

• E ffective leader, developer and motivator of a team and of business executives.

• Proven ability to communicate complex information, concepts, policies and positions, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external audiences .

• A ble to make timely decisions under pressure and then follow-through with appropriate execution .

• A dept at cultivating and managing stakeholder relationships -within the company, with our affiliates, with hotel owners and with government and industry associations .

• Experience building relationships with media and as a spokesperson .

• Deep understanding of digital tools and research and analytics to drive decision-making and communications output.

• E xcellent writer, editor and expert communicator of ideas and strategies .

• Able to operate well in an ambiguous environment and navigate the business towards clarity .

• S trong track record in leading a communications function and working directly with senior executive teams , with the skills to influence and lead in a complex organization .

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.