Job Description
Universal Destinations & Experiences, the themed entertainment division of Comcast NBCUniversal, creates and delivers the most compelling entertainment experiences around the world, including innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and resorts, and new ventures. With innovations inspired by some of the most creative minds in entertainment, Universal’s theme parks are where amazing technology, cinematic greatness, and sheer ingenuity come together to bring guests inside the world’s most loved stories. The Director, Communications, UK is a key leadership role that requires an experienced communications strategist and tactician with proven experience in internal and external communications, media relations and social media, events, and executive communications. This role is responsible for the development, planning, and execution of a comprehensive communications and public affairs activities in support of the launch of a new global destination.
Prior to opening, this role is responsible for stakeholder management, the delivery of communications and activities associated with the project’s planning application and work with the broader company to ensure project milestones are amplified and shared with key internal audiences. This role will also partner closely with Comcast/NBCU stakeholders to ensure in-market issues are elevated. This leader must be able to operate and embrace a fast-paced environment, enjoy new and stimulating challenges, and help lead the implementation of strategies designed to position the company as a leader in innovative themed entertainment, a global employer of choice, a disruptor in the marketplace, and a strong community citizen in the UK market. This role is ideal for someone who is a theme park enthusiast and is up for the challenge of helping to build the company’s reputation in the market and support the delivery of some of the company’s latest innovative developments in themed entertainment. The ideal candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities concurrently and meet required deadlines.
Major Responsibilities
* Lead the development of communications strategies and execution of ongoing initiatives in support of the proposed theme park and resort in the United Kingdom. This is inclusive of key project milestones (e.g. groundbreaking, hiring and vendor events, community engagements) and moments (e.g. vendor outreach, council hearings) along with ongoing issues and media outreach. Own key project channels, inclusive of project microsite and inbound company mailbox. Partner with inside groups – procurement and HR – and draft correspondence to inquiries.
* Serve as a supporting external spokesperson for the company’s Corporate Communications team, also working closely with the in-market publicity team to ensure company and product news is complementary to in-market marketing strategies. Build relationships with key business and community media, ensuring the company’s narrative and project are positioned as transformative to the UK. Serve as the voice and subject matter expert for the proposed UK Resort. Media train key internal project leaders and external partners on key messages associated with the project. Measure effectiveness of programs and establish KPIs for programs to deliver impact to the organisation
* Support executive communications for key project leaders based in the US and in the UK, and lead associated content development including briefing documents, talking points, memos, and presentations. Serve as a trusted communications advisor and thought partner to senior leadership. Review external speaking engagement presentations and approve content presented at company, government, and industry events. Participate as a member of the broader company crisis communications team and assist in the development and execution of crisis communications plans.
* Foster relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and manage vendors.
* Deliver weekly global communications calendar and activity report to ensure alignment.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-volume environment is a must.
* Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Qualifications
* Proven ability to use research and insights to plan, execute, and evaluate communications plans in support of company initiatives. Drives news coverage proactively with a fluency in media relations, PR, or corporate communications.
* Demonstrated capability to serve as a trusted communications partner and counsellor to Sr. Executives.
* Ability to proactive identify, create, and distribute content for a leading brand that operates in a high-volume business and industry. Experience establishing KPIs and measuring the performance of content.
* Competence in dealing with sensitive or controversial matters on a frequent and recurring basis and ability to effectively apply issues and crisis management capabilities to mitigate risk and organisational impact.
* Effectively sell in programs and ideas to advance the function and its goals; ability to present information to top management, public groups, and/or industry leaders.
* Able to be nimble and adapt, demonstrating an ability to handle multiple concurrent, often conflicting priorities.
* Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field, or comparable experience, required. A Masters Degree is a plus.
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.