Director Marketing Communication and Public Relations
Job Description
Rotana Hotel Management is seeking a strategic, results-oriented Director Marketing Communication and Public Relations to lead global public relations and marketing communications efforts for our portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. This leadership role will report to the Corporate Director of Brand Marketing and work closely with both internal teams and external PR agencies to shape Rotana's global narrative and enhance brand visibility. The Director will oversee global communications, media relations, and marketing initiatives while ensuring that brand messaging aligns with Rotana's corporate goals and market positioning.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public relations and marketing communications within the hospitality sector, preferably from a reputable hotel company. This role requires expertise in managing PR agencies, as well as crafting and executing comprehensive communications strategies across multiple channels to elevate the brand and manage public perception and will include key responsibilities such as:
Global Marketing Communications Strategy
Lead the development and execution of global marketing communications plans that support Rotana's brand positioning, business objectives, and market expansion. Collaborate with the Corporate Director of Brand Marketing to align PR and communications efforts with the overall brand strategy, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. Oversee the integration of marketing communications campaigns, ensuring that PR initiatives complement advertising, digital, and social media efforts.
Public Relations & Media Relations
Manage and work closely with an external PR agency to execute media relations strategies, crafting compelling stories that resonate with global audiences and key stakeholders. Develop and distribute press materials such as press releases, media kits, and media pitches to promote Rotana’s brand initiatives, new hotel openings, and corporate milestones. Cultivate and maintain relationships with top-tier media outlets, journalists, influencers, and key industry stakeholders to secure high-impact press coverage. Ensure timely and professional responses to media inquiries and coordinate with the PR agency for proactive media outreach.
Reputation & Crisis Communications Management
Work with the PR agency to develop and execute proactive reputation management strategies to safeguard Rotana’s public image and strengthen its global presence. Provide strategic counsel during crisis communications, collaborating with the PR agency to manage messaging and mitigate reputational risk. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing insights and actionable recommendations for improving brand perception.
Marketing Communications Initiatives
Oversee the creation and dissemination of integrated marketing communications materials, including corporate brochures, newsletters, presentations, and digital content, to ensure consistency with Rotana’s brand voice. Support the creation of content for Rotana’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with global marketing campaigns. Lead communications for key brand initiatives, events, and sponsorships, ensuring they are effectively positioned in the media and to key stakeholders.
Content Creation & Thought Leadership
Oversee the development of thought leadership content, including executive bylines, speeches, and blogs that position Rotana as an industry leader in hospitality. Collaborate with the PR agency to identify and pitch opportunities for the executive team to engage in media interviews, guest articles, and speaking engagements at key industry events.
Stakeholder & Event Communications
Manage the communication strategy for high-profile corporate events, hotel openings, and industry conferences, working with the PR agency to maximize media coverage and visibility. Ensure that all event communications (invitations, press releases, social media posts, etc.) are aligned with Rotana’s global brand standards. Provide internal communication support to ensure all employees are aligned on key corporate messages and events.
Reporting, Analytics, & Budget Management
Track and report on the effectiveness of PR and marketing communications initiatives, including media coverage, social media engagement, and campaign ROI. Manage the communications budget, working with the PR agency to ensure cost-effective execution of campaigns. Provide regular reports to senior leadership on the performance of PR campaigns, media coverage, and communication metrics.
Team Leadership & Agency Coordination
Collaborate closely with the PR agency to ensure that all activities are on track and delivering results that align with the overall brand strategy. Lead internal communications efforts, ensuring seamless coordination between PR, digital marketing, and brand marketing teams. Mentor and guide junior members of the marketing and communications team, supporting their professional development and growth.
Skills
Education, Qualifications & Experiences
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. A Master’s degree or additional PR certifications is a plus.
Experience: Minimum 10+ years of experience in public relations and marketing communications, ideally within the hospitality sector. At least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience working with PR agencies and managing cross-functional teams is required.
Skills:
Strong understanding of global PR trends, media landscapes, and marketing communications strategies. Proven ability to work with and manage PR agencies to execute effective communications strategies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for a wide variety of audiences. In-depth experience in reputation management, crisis communications, and brand positioning. Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. High-level creative thinking, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset. Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, results-driven approach. Understanding of digital marketing, social media, and content marketing.
Languages: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
Knowledge & Competencies
The ideal candidate will be dynamic and well qualified, with a high level of motivation and enthusiasm and should possess following competencies:
Understanding the Business
Influencing Outcomes
Planning for Business
Team Building
Valuing Diversity
Leading People
Adaptability
Drive for Results
Customer Focus
Managing Operations
Job Location Abu Dhabi, UAE Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC (Arabic: روتانا) is a hotel management company in the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans. It has a portfolio of over 100 properties in 26 cities and operates five sub brands which include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana,Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana. ... Rotana was founded in 1992, by a partnership between two visionary thinkers, Nasser Al Nowais and Selim El Zyr. Operating as Rotana, it opened its first property, the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi in 1993 and is today one of the leading hotel management companies within the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey. Rotana combines a unique understanding of the culture and communities of the Middle East with the collective expertise of an executive team contributing to years of international experience in the service industry.
