Public Relations Manager

Manager - Brand Public Relations

Req #: IAH00002550-AO

Location: Houston, TX US

Overview

Along with transforming the way United does business, we are reimagining our airline’s award-winning Global Communications Team from nose to tail. Led by former Starbucks Corporate Communications executive, Jim Olson, United is building a state-of-the-art communications function that puts strategic storytelling and digital engagement at the center of our employee advocacy, media and influencer relations, and public affairs capabilities.

The pace is fast, our standards are high and the opportunities are boundless. If joining us in building a forward-thinking, path-blazing, world class communications team sounds intriguing – let’s talk. Being part of big, transformative moments like this are rare – so, if you have the courage, the creativity, the conviction, the agility, the leadership and most importantly the passion to help United reclaim its reputation as one of the world’s great and resilient companies we hope you’ll consider embarking on this journey with us.

Reporting to the Director, Brand PR, the Manager, Brand PR will lead communication efforts on behalf of United with a focus on the airline’s Houston hub, United’s premier gateway to Latin America. This position will work as an integral member of United’s Brand PR team to conceive, manage and implement communications campaigns to promote the United brand both externally and internally in Houston. In addition, the Manager will manage day-to-day media inquiries for Houston and serve as a company spokesperson. Full duties include:

• Manage the development of market announcements and programs
• Lead development and execution of communication plans and messaging, focused on external and internal channels, for all market programs and initiatives
• Drive the development of relevant content/materials, for example, communications plans, talking points, news releases, FAQs and more
• Draw on knowledge of stakeholder needs and communication best practices and ensure alignment with key messages and company positioning
• Plan and implement communications campaigns and events focused on Houston
• Assist with developing themes and messages based on business and local activities
• Conceive and organize stories and events that generate media coverage and brand awareness

• Serve as media relations lead for local market
• Establish and maintain relationships with key media, influencers and stakeholders
• Respond to media inquiries
• Proactively pitch stories
• Brief and inform local United leaders and spokespeople
• Participate in the PR team’s “on-call” rotation, acting as primary company spokesperson during select off hours including weekends
• Serve as internal communications lead for market and develop and report unique stories that highlight our employees, operation and strategy in the market
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with frontline employees, hub leadership and airport officials
• Assist United’s Social Media team with capturing local content for use across a variety of platforms

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Creating and maintaining a favorable image and brand reputation for United in Houston and destinations United serves to Latin America

Serving as company spokesperson

Monitoring effectiveness of all projects, evolving, improving and updating information when needed

Discovering, analyzing and recommending new opportunities for external and internal storytelling

General Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field

5-7 years of PR/communications experience

Exemplary media relations, writing and communication skills

Firm grasp and relationships with Houston print and broadcast media as well as with relevant business, travel and lifestyle media

Proven track record in handling multiple priorities and stakeholders and working with team members across various office geographies

Ability to problem-solve and be a self-starter

Superior business writing and editing skills

Execution and process oriented, forward thinking, diligent and creative, attention to detail

Capacity to deliver against quality and timing targets

Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills

Highly effective in a fast-paced environment; works well under pressure

Expertise in the evolving media landscape and ability to work with traditional and non-traditional media

Proficiency with social media platforms and capturing appropriate content (video, photography)

Ability to develop messaging and integrated communications plans and strategies

Experience in a communications and/or public relations department

Experience working with cross-functional teams

Preferred

Fluency in Spanish

Firm grasp and relationships with Latin America media

INDUAL