Director of Public Relations

Job Description:

Role Summary

As the Director of Public Relations at Saks Global, you will lead and execute press initiatives that elevate the brand through strategic media relations, earned coverage, brand partnerships and more. You will lead the development and execution of brand and consumer PR strategies, manage existing and create new earned PR opportunities, and cultivate relationships with key press and industry stakeholders and talent to drive brand awareness and bolster positive sentiment. Reporting to the AVP, Public Relations & Celebrity, you will manage a team of one Manager and one Coordinator, ensuring the execution of impactful PR campaigns aligned with the brand's identity and outlined goals. Role location: #LI-Hybrid, Based in the New York metro area, with 3-4 days/week in the office.

Brand and Consumer Public Relations Strategy:

• Oversee media relations efforts to generate earned coverage across top-tier publications, broadcast and digital media outlets, positioning the brand as a leader in luxury retail.

• Identify white space to illuminate the brand's luxury authority, product and service offerings and generate earned storytelling opportunities on an ongoing basis, absent of new news, for the brand and its executives.

• Lead the development and execution of brand and consumer PR strategy, ensuring it aligns with the overall goals and ongoing brand positioning.

• Manage the annual PR calendar, ensuring alignment with key brand initiatives, product launches and seasonal campaigns.

• Strategically collaborative with cross-functional teams across events, marketing, partnerships, social media, merchandising, and external brand partners.
   

Media Relations & Press Coverage:

• Develop strong relationships with top-tier media outlets, producers, broadcast hosts and editors to secure impactful, earned press coverage of the brand, across fashion, consumer, trade, lifestyle and luxury publications, positioning the brand as a leader in luxury retail.

• Develop and manage press releases, Q&As, executive briefing materials, media kits and other communications materials to ensure high-quality, consistent and compelling messaging across all media touchpoints.

• Support executive readiness for all media opportunities and engagements.

• Respond to media inquiries and manage crisis communications, ensuring the brand's messaging remains consistent, positive and aligned with company values.
   

Strategic PR Campaigns:

• Develop and execute innovative PR campaigns that resonate with the brand's target audience and elevate the brand's image across multiple platforms, including traditional and digital media.

• Report on campaign performance, providing insights for improvement to senior leadership.
   

Team Management & Development:

• Manage a team of one Manager and one Coordinator

• Oversee daily activities of the PR team with clearly established performance goals. Conduct regular reviews and support the professional growth of team members.
   

Event Coordination & Execution:

• Coordinate with internal events team on strategic planning and execution of brand activations, media events and press-only engagements, such as exclusive or under embargo press previews of products and services, to cultivate high-quality events that create buzz and positive press.

• Create and manage VIP guest lists and media relations for events, ensuring the attendance of notable talent, top-tier media and key photographers, with strategic planning and execution for press coverage pre-, during and post-event.
   

High-Profile Public Relations Opportunities:

• Oversee brand's involvement in important events such as the Met Gala, fashion weeks, owned events and other luxury retail moments, ensuring the brand's presence is well positioned, from creation to execution, and widely covered in media.

• Manage the brand's integrations and partnerships with celebrities, stylists and influencers to ensure main messaging, products or the initiatives are prominently featured in key media outlets.

• Produce new talent recommendations while also forecasting how talent can strengthen the brand's short- and long-term goals.
   

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or a related field, with a strong focus on luxury retail or fashion.

• Creative and analytical thinking to develop new, influential PR strategies and bespoke earned media tactics to further drive a brand's goals

• Project management experience managing high-profile events, media relations, storytelling and celebrity partnerships, particularly with high-profile consumer or luxury brands.

• Strong network of relationships with top-tier media, media professionals, influencers, celebrities, talent agencies and stylists in the fashion and lifestyle space.

• A proven record of influential writing across press materials, including authored articles, press releases, executive briefing materials, speeches/talking points, media alerts, compelling stories and presentations and reactive Q&As.

• Understanding of traditional media, emerging media and social media platforms and trends, with experience leveraging both editors and talent within the channels to enhance and bolster brand goals.
   

Your Life and Career at Saks Global:

Thank you for your interest in Saks Global. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Saks Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saks Global complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Saks Global welcomes all applicants for this position. Should you be individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Saks.com is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

*The above expected salary range may have some variability based upon factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s overall experience, qualifications, and geographic location. If you are interested in the role, we encourage you to apply and, if selected to move forward in the interview process, you will have a chance to speak with our recruitment team regarding your specific salary expectations.