Communications Specialist

Part-Time Position

We are looking for our next Communications Specialist to join our Sales and Marketing team. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for leading PR strategies to include public relations, promotions, support our franchisees and corporate events. This position will execute brand stories across traditional media platforms with the ultimate goal of engagement, as well as awareness to drive occupancy and "zee" revenue. The Communications Specialist will plan and execute the respective PR, social strategy efforts and brand reputation management processes by working directly with their counterparts in a wide variety of internal groups within the HFA marketing division while ensuring that the brand is respected. The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to multitask, possess great organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.

The Communications Specialist will have the opportunity to:

• Manage general media and internal requests, traffic information flow and plan PR materials and interviews;

• In partnership with HFA, create and publish content, monitor, engage and overall presence and reputation of the brand in compliance with business goals and "zee" objectives;

• Plan, coordinate, and implement press conferences, briefings, media and special events;

• Preparation and distribution of press releases, advisories and other PR materials;

• Vet incoming media opportunities; research media outlet/contact for legitimacy and provide appropriate recommendation;

• Collaborate with news outlets, magazines and other publications on pitches, content, and initiatives;

• Develop story ideas; pitch and achieve editorial placements;

• Effectively communicate with and inform marketing team, and media of events and initiatives as needed;

• Stay up to date on current trends and changes within social media landscape;

• Manage the press room content and website updates for all marketing productions;

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with key brands, influencers, and audiences that align with HFA to expand brand awareness;

• Research and plan new creative initiatives for PR events and initiatives to drive student sales;

• Liaise with PR firms to evaluate reports, ensure tracking is complete and copies received. Distribute weekly clipping report internally;

• Plan the logistics of meetings, events and presentations;

• Manage PR tools, PR materials, shared drive files and archives;

• Support, and implement event launch activities and logistics;

• Complete other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications and/or Marketing;

• At least one to two years of previous experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Entertainment environment;

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.);

• Previous experience and working knowledge of managing and working in a social command center;

• Knowledge of local, regional, national and international media;

• Must be willing and able to work early mornings, evening and weekends;

• Must be available to travel as required;

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;

• Verification of the right to work in the United States for HFA, as demonstrated by completion of the Form I-9 upon hire and the submission of acceptable documentation (as noted on the Form I-9) verifying one’s identity and work authorization.

As you can imagine, working with a HFA can be quite different from other organizations, and at HFA, we embrace these differences loudly with enthusiasm. We realize that one size fits none and invite you to come create your own specialized experience with us to see exactly what we’re talking about, first hand.

Our emotion-provoking experience is just the tip of the iceberg: laced throughout our organization, you will find creative minds who are empowered to use their voices and be themselves, their truest selves. Creativity to us means various perspectives, fresh ideas and continuous improvement of the way we do things. We won’t pretend like we have every answer, that’s why we need you! Our team is the center of what we do, the voices behind the final product and amazing artistry throughout our studios.

When you think of your ideal workplace, what comes to mind? For us, it looks (and really is) like this:

• Teamwork – we thrive with collaborative teams, regardless of titles or departments;

• Respect – when we ask someone to join our team, it’s because we trust and respect you;

• Integrity – whether you work behind-the-scenes or in the studio, you’re being counted on. We are a team and integrity go a long way here, and like we mentioned previously, trust is important;

• Authenticity – we want you to bring your full self to work, this is a place where you don’t need to fit into a box to belong; diverse perspectives foster even more creativity in the workplace. We embrace the human behind the employee number;

• Being heard – you have access to everyone in the organization, use your voice on development questions or suggestions on how to improve the experience. We value open and transparent communication and we want you to be heard!

Come create with us and let us show you what joining HFA feels like!