Manager - Corporate Communications, Events & Experience

POSITION TITLE:  Manager - Corporate Communications, Events & Experience

REPORTS TO:  VP - Corporate Communications

DIRECT REPORTS: Coordinator - Corporate Communications

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role is responsible for driving the associate experience by executing and designing a cohesive internal communications strategy, creating memorable company events, and championing initiatives that drive engagement, community, inclusivity and alignment across populations. Partnering closely with HR, this position shapes the associate lifecycle—from day-one to major career milestones—while leveraging creative internal storytelling and events to align teams with AEO’s brands, Better Together culture, values, HR initiatives and business priorities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Culture Keeper: Design and execute a culture and engagement strategy and calendar - including associate recognition and appreciation, company business meetings, AEO community events, national/international observances, etc. In partnership with cross-functional teams, support the rollout of culture-related initiatives and identify opportunities for enterprise-level programming - whether in response to engagement data, important brand moments, business change or deliberate culture-building investment.
• Engaging Events: Produce and facilitate engaging company events and meetings that are on-brand and on budget. Own end-to-end event logistics, including: venue coordination, vendor management, budget tracking, communications, run-of-show, and post-event wrap-up.
• Internal Storytelling: Develop and execute a strategic internal communications strategy to keep associates informed, inspired, aligned with company goals and connected to AEO’s Better Together culture. Ensure messages are clear, consistent, and aligned with AEO’s culture, values, HR initiatives and business priorities. Support the activation of the company’s Employer Value Proposition (EVP) through creative internal storytelling. 
• Content Creation: Create and produce engaging multimedia content for use on internal channels with a goal to capture attention quickly and effectively through visuals, video sound/music and concise messaging.
• Associate Experience: Partner with HR and the Talent Management team to enhance the associate experience from day one, to onboarding events, to major career milestones.
• Recognition & Appreciation: In collaboration with Talent Management, lead AEO’s corporate recognition experience through the execution of quarterly events, milestone service awards and signature recognition celebrations. 
• Project Management, Coaching & Influence: Manage multiple projects and initiatives at once with the ability to advise, influence and partner with stakeholders across the organization. Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, feedback and development support for the Coordinator - Corporate Communications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years experience working in a fast-paced corporate environment within internal communications or marketing; experience in event production, PR, and/or content creation
• Degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English or a related field
• Proven leadership in managing large-scale events, employee/customer engagement, and leading communication strategy
• Demonstrated experience as a people leader – developing team members through coaching, feedback, and performance management
• Experience working within internal communications platforms and enterprise-wide intranet systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to write accurate, compelling and impactful copy and editorial 
• Superior attention to detail and highly organized
• Strong ability to communicate with clarity and effectiveness for a variety of communication channels
• Adept at problem-solving and thinking quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable with ambiguity and understands the need to pivot quickly and multi-task to support the evolving needs of the business and associate community
• Excellent interpersonal skills, outgoing and at ease engaging with stakeholders
• Dynamic, self-starter who can lead a project from start to finish
• Highly creative, innovative and ‘out of the box’ thinker
• Enjoys teamwork and going the extra mile, with a positive attitude
• Openness to learn from feedback and adjust as necessary
• Proficient in Google Workspace, design/editing software and social media platforms
• Video editing skills a plus
• Some travel and work outside of normal business hours

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.