Marketing Communications Manager (1-Year Contract)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Drake is a growing Canadian hospitality brand focused on lifestyle hotels, food + drink and special events.

We’re more than a place to sleep, eat + drink; we believe culture and community matter and are committed to an exceptional hospitality experience delivered in our signature style;

one that is genuine, personal, memorable and embraces the energy of discovery. We value honesty and spontaneity because that's the stuff of real connection and believe that hospitality is an act of care.

The Drake Hotel (Toronto), Drake Devonshire Inn (Wellington, Prince Edward County), and Drake Motor Inn (Wellington, Prince Edward County) are each reflective of their respective neighbourhoods as inclusive hubs for unique and diverse experiences through art, culture and hospitality with great seasonal menus, a robust cocktail list, carefully curated curiosities, and genuine hospitality excellence for all.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Marketing + Brand, the Marketing Communications Manager is an experienced storyteller, writer and strategic marketer with a passion for hospitality and tourism.

You are experienced in developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and PR strategies to drive brand awareness, delivering multi-channel campaigns targeting a variety of audiences with creative copywriting experience.

It’s also no sweat for you to walk between strategic thinking and tactical execution - always with attention to detail. Moreover, you are driven by a passion to learn, innovate and are curious in nature and believe that relationship building is a cornerstone to success.

In this role, you will be responsible for the strategy and execution of marketing and PR plans for Drake Hotel Properties.

You will oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive and world-class marketing and PR campaigns, writing, editing and proofing marketing and communications materials including but not limited to, email campaigns and collateral, press releases and pitches ensuring that messaging is aligned with brand positioning and priorities.

Reflective of the dynamic + fast-paced environment, you’re also not afraid to roll up your sleeves while maintaining the drive to generate measurable results on time and on budget.

Responsibilities

Marketing :

• Responsible for the co-creation and implementation of the annual marketing plan for Drake Hotel Properties portfolio of hotels to drive brand awareness, hotel occupancy, traffic and revenue.
• Conceptualizes and executes creative marketing campaigns to drive sales, revenue and profitability across paid and owned channels including email marketing, social media, SEO, PPC, etc.
• Manages short term and long-term promotional calendar and works with local store stakeholders, adapting campaigns, strategies and tactics to align with current priorities.
• Owns creative project pipeline and execution for all collateral, menus, and campaigns including creative briefs and copy writing for internal and external roll outs.
• Develops engaging online content in alignment with PR + Marketing plans to drive organic website traffic and brand interest / awareness.

Public Relations :

• Responsible for the development and implementation of the annual PR plan for Drake Hotel Properties portfolio of hotels.
• Guides and implements PR activities including but not limited to story creation, writing press releases, and media targeting / pitching.
• Conducts ongoing outreach to media contacts, reporters, editors and journalists to ensure our portfolio of properties are top of mind and are primed for editorial and digital coverage, hosting events or FAM trips from time-to-time in alignment with hotel, restaurant, special events and live music venue priorities.
• Spearhead influencer and thought-leader stays / partnerships, working in tandem with internal and external partners to foster brand awareness.

Analytics :

• Actively evaluate the effectiveness of all campaign against KPIs to maximize ROI and implement effective strategies with clear recommendations for future (direction, tactics, timeline, budget, etc.).
• Audits all public facing communication touchpoints include website, third party sites and social media channels ensuring a consistent brand voice across all channels.
• Recommend changes to website architecture, content, linking, and other factors to improve SEO positions for targeted keywords in relation to plans.

To be successful in this role you will be a self-starter with exceptional verbal and written communication skills, a natural and strategic storyteller.

Critical thinking comes easy to you, and you possess excellent proofreading abilities and a knack for copy writing. You also have noteworthy analytic, organization and decision-making skills.

In addition, the successful candidate will be able to work well under pressure and respond to fast-changing priorities and deadlines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, or communications.
• At least two years of progressive marketing or public relations experience. Hospitality and hotel experience is a strong asset.
• Deep understanding of marketing, PR and digital (email marketing, SEO, PPC, social, etc.) strategy and practices.
• Familiar with the Canadian and International PR landscape, with media contacts.
• Proven experience with creative copywriting including press releases, campaigns and developing content.
• Experience with social media marketing and digital content strategy.
• Proficient in technology and marketing and analytic tools, and always up to date on the latest and greatest to propel our business forward.
• Ability to handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal presentation skills, and impeccable writing skills.
• Ability to work as a team or independently while staying organized and adhering to deadlines.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required

Benefits

We pride ourselves in providing strong leadership and development opportunities for passionate hospitality professionals who are looking to build rewarding, long-term careers.

Drake offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, employee discounts, training + development support and many other unique perks as a part of joining the Drake team.

Drake Hotel Properties is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and creative environment at Drake Hotel Properties that promotes equity, inclusiveness and diversity.

We welcome job applications from candidates of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour);

refugees, newcomers and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, and persons with disabilities.

Please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you can access and complete the submissions process