Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement is hiring: Director of Public Relations

Summary

Director of Public Relations

The Director of Marketing & Public Relations leads all marketing, communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts for The Driskill. This role elevates the hotel's iconic brand, drives revenue through strategic marketing initiatives, and strengthens The Driskill's relationships within the Austin community.

As a key member of the leadership team, this person serves as the brand storyteller, media liaison, and partnership architect – ensuring The Driskill maintains its position as a cultural landmark and preferred destination for locals and travelers alike. This position reports to the Director of Sales and Marketing with a dotted line to the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations and Communications

• Serve as the primary media contact for all local, regional, and national press.
• Proactively pitch stories that highlight The Driskill's heritage, events, culinary offerings, guest experiences, and community impact.
• Manage reactive communications, crisis PR, and brand reputation.
• Oversee press releases, media kits, press visits, and influencer partnerships.
• Maintain consistent brand voice and messaging across all channels.

Communality Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and sustain strong relationships with Austin-area businesses, cultural organizations, tourism partners, universities, event producers, and civic leaders.
• Identify and develop creative partnerships that enhance brand visibility, drive traffic, and create unique guest experiences.
• Represent the hotel at community events, business associations, and networking functions.
• Work closely with local organizations to position The Driskill as a key community contributor.

Marketing Leadership

• Together with the Director of Sales and Marketing, develop and execute the annual marketing plan aligned with hotel business goals, revenue targets, and Hyatt brand standards.
• Lead digital strategy including website content, SEO, paid media campaigns, social media, email marketing, and content creation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Events, Food & Beverage, and Rooms to support promotions, packages, and business-driving initiatives.
• Analyze marketing performance and deliver monthly reports, insights, and recommendations.

Brand Stewardship

• Elevate The Driskill's historic brand, ensuring all marketing materials reflect its legacy and contemporary relevance.
• Oversee photography, video production, and brand assets.
• Support internal communications efforts when needed to strengthen colleague engagement and cultural alignment.

Leadership Attributes

• Relationship-focused communicator who thrives in a community-centered environment.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a strong “test & learn” approach.
• Agile, proactive, and able to adapt quickly to changing business needs.
• Demonstrates leadership expectations: growth mindset, cross-functional collaboration, outcome-focused execution, and commitment to care.

Success Indicator

• Strengthened local and national media presence.
• Growth in partnerships that drive incremental revenue and brand awareness.
• Increased community engagement and guest-facing activations.
• Consistent, modern, and distinctive representation of The Driskill brand across all channels.
• Clear, measurable impact on marketing-driven revenue performance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, hospitality communications, or luxury brand management.
• Proven success in media relations and securing earned press.
• Experience developing partnerships or community business relationships; existing Austin connections a strong plus.
• Strong storytelling and writing skills; comfortable being the public-facing representative of the brand.
• Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategy, and analytics.
• Highly collaborative, relationship-driven, and comfortable working cross-functionally.
• Prior experience in hospitality or lifestyle brands preferred but not required.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.