The Sr Manager, Public Relations, is responsible for leading and managing public relations and communications functions for the company to include: developing, planning and executing PR strategies and programs for fleet enhancements, new ship and destination launches, and new product announcements as well as other company news.  This position is on the frontline for the company as the chief day-to-day media spokesperson and plays a key role in handling crisis response, in coordination with the chief communications officer and senior leadership team.  This role manages the three-person PR team responsible for developing the editorial calendar for company news; managing the line’s media strategy, pitching stories, handling media inquiries, and acting as a Carnival spokesperson; serving on the incident and crisis communications team; editing/writing of news, blogs, press releases, executive speeches, and presentations, prepping for and facilitating media interviews with executive spokespeople; coordinating media attendance at events and other event duties as assigned; contributing articles to the Current; and leading the on-call media duty team. The role will also be responsible for the management of three external PR agencies and an extended staff of up to 8 individuals assigned to support Carnival, with an annual agency budget responsibility of up to $750,000 per year.  He/she will also manage Carnival’s Brand Ambassador to maximize his effectiveness in promoting Carnival priorities, aligning his responses and content with Carnival positions, and using guest comments and trends to manage incidents effectively.  Special projects as assigned. Track budget, devise ROI metrics and oversee coverage reports and highlight videos as appropriate.

Essential Functions:

• Developing, planning and executing PR strategies and programs for fleet enhancements, new ship and destination launches, and new product announcements as well as other company news.

• Managing the PR team responsible for responding to media inquiries, crisis/incident response and acts as company spokesperson; managing external agency resources and spend; managing Carnival newsroom and on-call media duty to include 24/7 evening/weekend rotation.                                                                 

• Writes press releases, news blogs, talking points, backgrounders, articles and press kit materials, as well as produces videos or podcasts. 

• Leads and participates in crisis response, event development, planning and execution for media aspects of events, coordination of media at events, and may represent company at media events, some high profile. 

• Supports Operations team to handle situations on board to minimize negative media coverage, including media training for guest-facing departments and other situations as needed.                                                                        

• Assists the Sr. Director and Chief Communications Officer as necessary; special projects as assigned                                                                    

• Tracking budget, ROI metrics and coverage reports/video highlight reels.

• Performs other duties as assigned                                                             

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree a plus

• Preferred 10+ years of experience in public relations, communications and/or media relations with a focus on working with the media preferably within customer-facing or service related industries.

• PR agency experience preferred.                                                                              

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must display confidence before executives and external stakeholders and demonstrate commitment to Carnival values.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced professional environment, handling a variety of PR matters using excellent judgment and diplomacy.

• Required Impeccable writing and organizational skills, good business sense and a dedication to delivering outstanding support to internal clients.

Physical Demands:Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

Travel:25-50% with shipboard travel likely
Work Conditions:Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

This position is classified as “in-office.” As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Tuesday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Mondays and Fridays.  Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.  

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

• Health Benefits:
  • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
  • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
  • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage 
• Financial Benefits:
  • 401(k) plan that includes a company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Paid Time Off
  • Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion. 
  • Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
  • Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.  
• Other Benefits
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement 
  • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus

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