Director, Public Relations - Orlando Based

Overview

***Must live in Orlando and be in office 4 days a week***

Red Lobster, one of America's most iconic brands, is seeking a Director of Public Relations to join its marketing team in Orlando, FL. This strategic leader will oversee all aspects of external communications including managing media and influencer relations, shaping brand storytelling, ensuring crisis readiness, and maintaining strong guest-facing communication. The Director will work closely with PR agencies and cross-functional internal teams serving as a key advisor on brand reputation and public perception.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Relations Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive PR strategy that positions Red Lobster as relevant, compelling, and exciting strengthening reputation while supporting brand initiatives aligned to our target demographics.
• Identify proactive storytelling opportunities that elevate the brand among key influencers, national, local, and trade media.
• Manage or conduct media outreach, executive interview management, message development, events and overall media and influencer engagement for the CEO and brand at large.
• Prepare executives and spokespeople for media interviews, speaking engagements, and press events.

External Guest Communications

• Create or oversee the creation and quality of all media-facing communications, ensuring clear, consistent messaging resulting in high-volume coverage.
• Develop communication materials and playbooks for all PR initiatives.
• Occasionally support internal teams in crafting responses to guest inquiries including social media comments when the messaging requires PR expertise.

Agency Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between the PR agency & internal partners.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing team to ensure that all PR plans ladder up to and seamlessly integrate with business and guest communication priorities.
• Ensure the PR agency effectively works with and positively contributes to the Integrated Agency Team's plans.
• Manage budgeting, performance metrics, campaign planning, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure agency output aligns with brand standards, business goals, and PR strategy.

Crisis Communications & Issues Management

• Build, maintain, and execute the brand's crisis communication plan, ensuring readiness for operational issues, safety concerns, social media escalation, or reputational threats.
• Act as the lead communicator during crises, coordinating closely with Legal, Operations, Risk Management, and Executive Leadership.
• Provide media statements, talking points, Q&As, and real-time guidance during high-pressure situations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or Marketing.
• 8 years of PR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in guest-facing communications, media relations, executive eminence, corporate reputation management, and crisis communications.
• Experience managing PR agencies and budgets.
• Exceptional writing, messaging, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to work calmly and strategically under pressure.

Preferred

• Experience in hospitality, foodservice, retail, or another fast-paced, consumer-facing industry.
• Strong understanding of social media dynamics and earned-influencer strategies.
• Background working in an Integrated Agency environment.

Key Competencies

• A bold, proactive mindset with a passion for igniting brand love
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Executive presence and confident communication style
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and respond quickly to evolving situations
• An open, adaptable approach to new challenges and opportunities
• Desire to do great work and have fun doing it