Director of Strategic Communications
Full-Time
Under the leadership of the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Director of Strategic Communications oversees the execution of the public relations strategic plan for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Tribe’s Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, located on the Tribe’s reservation in Highland, CA. The Director of Strategic Communications leads a team in the development and execution of the earned media strategy and external communications plans to enhance and maintain a favorable image of the Tribe and Yaamava’ operations through earned media; influencers; third party testimonials; other Tribes; neighbors and stakeholders. This position is responsible for aligning public relations activities in collaboration with enterprise Marketing and Property Marketing teams. The Director keeps track of public attitudes, develops key messages and supports the Vice President in acting as a coach and advisor to leadership on strategic PR decisions. The Director of Strategic Communications is a hands-on role and serves as a contributing member of the Strategic Communications editorial and writing team by pitching and providing content to appropriate communication channels.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Cultivate relationships with direct reports, coworkers, consultants, and media in the execution of the SMBMI and Yaamava’s PR strategy.
2. Under direction of the Vice President, develop and execute an annual PR plan aligned with the master Marketing plan. Determine the KPIs, key metrics and report on performance on recurring basis. monthly report.
3. Research and gather information and recommend creative partnerships and activations that elevate brand position and align with enterprise reputation.
4. Manage the PR budget.
5. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with journalists, podcast hosts, influencers, and brand partners.
6. Sets key performance objectives and evaluates team performance in execution of objectives; coach, mentor and inspire the team by providing professional development and on the job stretch opportunities.
7. Manages the media training for enterprise subject matter experts; arranges and staff interviews.
8. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and assumes other responsibilities, duties, tasks and assignments that contribute to the mitigation or response to any public health emergency.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.
Education/Experience/Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in journalism, Mass Communications or Strategic Communications is required.
Minimum three (3) years' experience in public relations, public affairs, corporate communications, or a combination thereof required.
Minimum of seven (7) years supervisory experience required.
Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above
Possess a team orientation and strong collaboration skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Solid crisis communications experience with 1-3 years in a crisis communications leadership role.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations
At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
A qualified candidate/employee must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the company’s insurance carrier.
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with applicable law.
As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally-recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic, and cultural development.
The Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. The Reservation, once only 640 acres, is now over 1,100 acres in size.
The call of Yawa’ – to act upon one’s beliefs – inspires the Tribe to give back to the areas they call home and support organizations working to create a better tomorrow in the Inland Empire and Indian Country.
Our support is directed to organizations providing services in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Charter schools, and
- Local government agencies
The Tribe also operates Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly known as San Manuel Casino®), the Palms Casino Resort, as well as other enterprises.
We value our employees and offer a comprehensive Benefits Program
Our team members enjoy a competitive base salary, an annual discretionary performance bonus, and an annual merit increase as part of our total rewards package. Additionally, San Manuel supports team members' financial health through 401(k) retirement savings plans that offer a 2% core discretionary contribution and matching, and a host of other services - from discounts to tuition assistance.
