Head of Communications and Marketing

Harlo Entertainment is a Toronto-based operator, management and private equity company, delivering value over 30 years of aggregate experience in both the hospitality and entertainment industry. With first-hand insights and perspectives, Harlo Entertainment defines best-in-class, luxury experience and is deeply committed to the highest level of guest satisfaction.

We are a collection of diverse individuals with unique skill sets and subject matter expertise focused on building and scaling ventures. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work across multiple high-profile, growing brands including Shake Shack Canada, Kasa Moto, MIMI Chinese, Sunnys Chinese, Linny's, The Playbook Commons, Valerie, Roses Social and more. Check out our website to learn more:

We are a people-first culture. We strive to create great outcomes and establish win-win partnerships through integrity, reliability, inclusivity, and great communication. Our greatest asset is our people, as they are the powerhouses behind our outcomes.

We are seeking a strategic and creative Head of Communications and Marketing to lead the marketing efforts across our portfolio. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing strategies, overseeing content creation and digital campaigns, driving brand awareness, and analyzing performance metrics to optimize overall marketing effectiveness.

Role Overview

We are looking for a dynamic, creative and experienced Head of Communications and Marketing to be part of a growing team who will lead the marketing efforts across our portfolio. This role involves developing and executing strategic PR initiatives, managing media relations, overseeing crisis communication, and ensuring consistent messaging that aligns with brand values and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning
• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies to enhance brand reputation and visibility.
• Identify opportunities for positive media coverage and public engagement.
• Media Relations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate interviews, press releases, and media events.
• Crisis Communication
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to manage and mitigate potential risks to the brand.
• Act as the spokesperson during crisis situations and provide timely, accurate information to the public and media.
• Event Management
• Plan and execute press events, media tours, product launches, and other PR-related events.
• Ensure events are well-organized, engaging, and effectively communicate key messages.
• Internal Communications
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent communication and alignment on key initiatives.
• Develop internal communication strategies to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Public Affairs
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and industry associations.
• Represent Shake Shack at industry events, conferences, and public forums.
• Measurement and Analysis
• Monitor media coverage and analyze PR campaign performance.
• Use data and insights to refine strategies and demonstrate the impact of PR efforts.
• Monitor marketing performance using analytics tools and adjust strategies to optimize results.
• Marketing
• Develop and execute multi-channel marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and growth.
• Oversee the creation of press releases, media kits, speeches, and other PR materials.
• Lead content creation across platforms (social media, email, website, etc.) ensuring alignment with brand voice and objectives.
• Ensure all content is aligned with the venue's brand voice and messaging.
• Plan and manage paid media campaigns (social, search, display) and track ROI.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate promotions, events, and partnerships.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency.
• Oversee the marketing calendar and ensure timely execution of all campaigns.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, tools, and best practices to keep the brand competitive and relevant.
• Build relationships with audience, potential customers, industry professionals, influencers, and other media channels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in public relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successful media relations and PR campaign execution.
• Proven track record of executing successful digital and brand marketing campaigns.
• Strong copywriting, content planning, and creative direction skills.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and analytics platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, Google Analytics).
• Experience managing paid advertising campaigns across platforms (Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, etc.).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with media and key stakeholders.
• Experience in the food and beverage industry is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with our portfolio teams, cross-functional departments, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in PR analytics and tools

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation, including comprehensive benefits, spending account and professional development program.
• Opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in multiple disciplines in a fast-paced environment.
• Dynamic and fun office culture with colleagues who share the same core values.
• Exclusive perks from our portfolio companies.
• Unlimited vacation policy.

Harlo Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital, military and veteran status.