📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director, Public Relations and Communication
🔹 Company: Pursuit Collection
🔹 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Hospitality
🔹 Date Posted: June 26, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic leadership in public relations and communications
- Executive-level support and collaboration with C-suite
- Global communications strategy development and execution
- Team leadership and mentorship of five media and communications professionals
- Cross-functional collaboration with various departments to align communications with business objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and proven experience in public relations and corporate communications to effectively lead the team and drive results.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide strategic direction and mentorship in the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies
✅ Oversee media relations strategies, fostering strong relationships with top-tier media outlets
✅ Lead corporate public relations strategies, shaping and protecting Pursuit’s brand reputation
✅ Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to protect brand integrity and stakeholder trust
✅ Guide thought leadership and brand positioning strategies, elevating executive voices and aligning them with key industry conversations
✅ Manage influencer partnerships, identifying and working with creators aligned to key brand priorities and growth markets
✅ Collaborate with the Investor Relations team to shape and amplify external messaging around financial performance and shareholder communications
✅ Champion Pursuit’s Promise to Place and CSR initiatives, ensuring these stories are strategically communicated
✅ Provide high-level strategic direction while enabling team members to own and execute their areas of expertise
✅ Define success metrics and implement measurement frameworks to evaluate the impact of PR and communications strategies
✅ Partner with leaders across marketing, operations, finance, sales, people & culture, and sustainability to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and aligned communication strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, execution, and stakeholder management, requiring strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: 15+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Required Skills:
- Strong executive presence and the ability to influence senior leaders
- Experience leading communications during mergers, acquisitions, or integrations
- Deep understanding of evolving digital communications platforms and trends
- Experience managing communications across global markets with sensitivity to cultural nuances
- Proven ability to uphold and evolve brand voice and communications standards across a matrixed or multi-brand organization
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
- Proficiency in analytics and performance measurement tools
- Ability to travel internationally
Preferred Skills:
- Strong background in the travel and hospitality industry
- Established network of media contacts and a track record of success in corporate PR
ASSUMPTION: Given the global nature of the role and the need for strategic leadership, candidates with extensive experience in public relations and corporate communications, as well as a strong background in the travel and hospitality industry, are preferred.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The starting salary for this position will be dependent on experience. Based on industry standards for a Senior Director role in the hospitality industry in Calgary, the estimated salary range is CAD 150,000 - CAD 180,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Free access to Pursuit attractions
- 50% off for friends
- Discounts on hotel stays, dining, and retail
- Access to subsidized mental health and wellness resources
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hospitality, focusing on iconic destinations and unforgettable experiences
Company Size: Medium to large (1,001-5,000 employees)
Founded: 2016
Company Description:
- Pursuit connects guests and staff to iconic places through unforgettable experiences that become inspiring stories to tell
- The company began with a handful of storied properties and has grown into a collection of world-class attractions and hospitality experiences
- Pursuit’s experiences include 15 world-class point-of-interest attractions and 28 distinctive lodges, along with thoughtful restaurants, retail, and transportation
Company Specialties:
- National parks
- Scenic beauty
- Nature and hiking
Company Website: http://www.pursuitcollection.com
ASSUMPTION: Pursuit Collection is a growing hospitality company with a strong focus on unique experiences and iconic destinations, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking a dynamic and engaging work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Revenue Officer
Reporting Structure: Leads a team of five media and communications professionals
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the communications department or explore other leadership roles within the organization
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth and enhance brand reputation
- Chance to develop and mentor team members, fostering a culture of growth and learning
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the company's communications strategy and brand reputation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the fifth-largest city in Canada
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a vibrant business community
- Calgary has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Calgary offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a mix of urban and outdoor experiences, making it an attractive location for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth interviews with hiring managers and team members
- Final interview with the Chief Revenue Officer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and communication skills
- Experience in public relations and corporate communications
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past successes in strategic communications, crisis management, and team leadership
- Research Pursuit Collection and be ready to discuss how your background and skills align with the company's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Crisis Communications, Storytelling, Media Relationships, Influencer Partnerships, Team Leadership, Content Strategy, Performance Measurement, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Brand Positioning, Thought Leadership, Crisis Communication, Investor Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Change Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, communication skills, and relevant experience throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the communications industry and can be expected to evolve as the company grows and adapts to new trends and platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Connecting people to iconic places through unforgettable experiences
- Inspiring stories to tell
- Friendly team members, thoughtful amenities, and delightful details
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a focus on aligning communications with business objectives
- Fast-paced and growth-oriented, with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking and execution
- Empowering and supportive, with a focus on mentorship and team development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively across multiple departments and teams?
- Do you have a proven track record of leading teams and driving results in a public relations or corporate communications role?
ASSUMPTION: Pursuit Collection values a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, growth, and strategic execution. Candidates who are comfortable in fast-paced, cross-functional roles and have a proven track record in public relations or corporate communications are likely to be a strong fit for this organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing communications across global markets with sensitivity to cultural nuances
- Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including executives, team members, and external partners
- Adapting to the evolving digital communications landscape and emerging trends
- Managing communications during periods of organizational change or crisis
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a strategic and adaptable communications professional who can effectively navigate complex and evolving environments.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior communications roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration
- In the hospitality industry, this role is distinct in its focus on iconic destinations and unforgettable experiences, requiring a strong understanding of both corporate communications and brand storytelling
- Career paths in this role may lead to other senior leadership positions within the organization, such as Chief Communications Officer or Vice President of Marketing and Communications
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration, making it an attractive opportunity for communications professionals seeking a dynamic and engaging work environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major company acquisition or expansion
- Managing a high-profile crisis communication situation, ensuring timely, transparent, and coordinated responses
- Leading a team to create and implement a thought leadership campaign, elevating executive voices and aligning them with key industry conversations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, leadership, and team management aspects of the role, showcasing the breadth and depth of responsibilities required for success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for growth and expansion, and how this role contributes to that strategy?
- How does the communications team collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, operations, and sales, to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and aligned communication strategies?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications department or across the organization?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the company's long-term success, your understanding of the role's strategic importance, and your commitment to driving results in a collaborative and supportive work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past successes in strategic communications, crisis management, and team leadership
- Research Pursuit Collection and be ready to discuss how your background and skills align with the company's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
