Director, Internal & Executive Communications, Greater China

JOB SUMMARY

Communications and Brand PR is an integral part of the Customer Group which leads the overall consumer strategy comprising of Marketing, Brand Management & Marketing, Communications, Design & Product, Loyalty and Partnerships. 

In this exciting, fast-paced position, the Director, Internal & Executive Communications, Greater China report to the Senior Director Communications, Greater China in elevating and managing the corporate reputation through strategic communications for Marriott International across the region.  

The Communications team establishes Marriott International in GC’s narrative and works to identify goals and KPIs to drive PR results for Marriott International, increasing media share of voice, elevating corporate reputation as well as build awareness for Marriott Bonvoy. The scope also includes internal communications and supporting the executive positioning of the Greater China President, C-level executives and relevant Consumer Operations Leaders. The Director, Internal & Executive Communications GC will be responsible for fully integrating communications to support the business and consumer operations goals, developing and successfully executing these corporate-focused PR plans, campaigns and initiatives utilizing proven PR practices as well as out-of-the-box thinking that drives awareness of, and action by, the company’s target consumers.

The Director is responsible for the planning, strategy and execution of GC Communications, liaison with GC leadership team and other disciplines to offer communications consultancy. He/ she represents communications POV in GC leadership team and liaison with other discipline heads.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience 

• Formal training in Communications, a university degree or equivalent experience in public relations, communications or journalism.
• Ten years minimum in public relations.
• Working experience as a journalist is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Solid knowledge of GC media/social media landscape. 
• Solid strategic planning and project management capability. Be able to manage multiple stakeholders and proactively drive for alignment.
• Travel, hospitality, consumer goods industry background in public relations, journalism/ broadcast is a plus.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint and Word computer programs. 
• Excellent in written Chinese, proficiency in Chinese language, Good spoken and written language in English.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

Develops PR strategies and executes initiatives to drive positive reputation, customer awareness, financial results, guest satisfaction and market share.

• Build on Marriott’s culture and purpose through strategic internal communication to enhance associate engagement.
• Develop creative and strategic PR campaigns and initiatives that underscore narratives, generate positive publicity.
• Executive Profiling: increase visibility of GC senior leadership through media relations, speaking opportunities etc.
• Utilize a thorough understanding of the lodging business (hotel operation, industry drivers, challenges, competitors, MI’s position in the global marketplace) and cutting-edge trends to unveil opportunities for growth and increased market share/ media share of voice.
• Lead Crisis Communications and protect corporate reputation when issue raises. 
• Strategic planning and execution of senior leaders’ associate facing communications in right formats.
• In collaboration with HR, develop internal communications strategy that communicates the region’s strategic vision and goals internally.
• Uplift and enhance associate engagement through positive storytelling, underscoring company culture and purpose.
• HR Communications: partner with HR, to build MI best employer image.
• Liaison with owner communications to curate cohesive messaging distribution.

Strategic PR and Communications Planning 

• Support Senior Director Communications in collaborating with other disciplines to develop Corporate Communications plans, and PR initiatives that support the business objectives of the region.
• Identify trends and uncover newsworthy stories from Marriott’s portfolio of hotels.
• Manage efficient and effective PR agencies that deliver results.

Media Relations

• Cultivate relationships with targeted media outlets to generate positive media coverage, elevate brand awareness and preference to achieve coverage in top tier lifestyle, consumer, business news, travel, hotel trade, and online/blogger media.
• Secure A-list media interviews for senior executives to increase visibility/leadership position in the region that supports with Executive profiling.
• Monitor and measure results, including media impressions and share of voice with competitive monitoring updates.
• Serve as the POC for Crisis Communications 

Internal Communications

• In collaboration with HR, develop internal communications strategy that communicates the region’s strategic vision and goals internally.
• Uplift and enhance associate engagement through positive storytelling, underscoring company culture and purpose.

Events

• Manage special internal event activities including GM conference, internal conferences, media briefings.
• Develop talking points/speeches for President, GC Executives participating in media events.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Create Belonging - Build relationships by promoting an environment of collaboration, trust, respect, opportunity, and inclusion. 
• Models and empowers others to monitor partner/customer feedback, satisfaction, and relevant metrics to deliver enhanced services.
• Applies existing data and resources to create innovative service strategies.
• Seeks out, builds, and maintains diverse partnerships/ relationships across the company and industry.
• Models and coaches team on building and maintaining diverse partnerships & relationships.

• Develop Others - Develop diverse, inclusive, and high-performing talent and teams. 
• Fosters an environment that supports feedback and ongoing development by putting systems and processes into place to manage program performance and associate development.
• Participates in talent reviews and succession planning discussions, as needed for select direct reports, while providing relevant data (i.e., Talent Ratings, key strengths and opportunity areas, potential successors, etc.).
• Champions the attraction, development, and retention of a diverse workforce to drive innovation and engagement.
• Develops others by identifying needs, providing resources, ongoing feedback and customized coaching, and setting appropriate shared department, team, and individual goals.

• Lead Change - Courageously lead change, innovation, inspire others through optimism, and adapt to changing business needs. 
• Engages in effective change management processes such as presenting the need for change in a way that encourages commitment and action, developing strategies and providing resources to implement desired changes, while managing stakeholders’ expectations.
• Keeps leaders informed about key issues, communicates effectively, and courageously influences others to support a point-of-view, gain alignment, or take action.
• Models, coaches, and holds others accountable for displaying a leadership style that conveys confidence, optimism, gains respect from others, and is dedicated to leading ethically and with a high degree of integrity.
• Uses data to evaluate opportunities and adapt global strategies, where needed (e.g., brand, team, programs, etc.), into actionable plans to maximize external partner/customer commitment, satisfaction, and profitability.

• Learn & Excel - Apply professional expertise while seeking out and integrating diverse perspectives and learning opportunities. 
• Secures resources and creates opportunities for self and others to improve performance through stretch assignments and other professional development activities.
• Creates an environment where continuous learning is valued and encouraged and holds others accountable for maintaining and sharing current knowledge on industry and discipline trends, competitors, and advanced technical knowledge in area of expertise.
• Models and coaches others on making sound business decisions by monitoring industry trends, market dynamics, and business environment to identify opportunities for improvement and adjusts priorities as needed.
• Builds partnerships across diverse teams to solve complex issues and improve performance.

• Deliver Results - Set ambitious goals, create alignment, and drive execution. 
• Coordinates with other departments and teams to set clear responsibilities for each group, as well as communicates clear expectations about how departments, teams, and individuals contribute to success.
• Monitors department, team, and individual performance, establishing clear standards, expectations, timelines, and budget requirements.
• Identifies and focuses on business opportunities that have the highest value for the Company.
• Manages department, team, and individual workloads by prioritizing tasks and delegating assignments appropriately, helping others understand work requirements, and obtaining resources departments and teams need to accomplish their work.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​ team, and become the best version of you.