Public Relations Manager

OTB is seeking a Public Relations manager to join the newly created in-house Communication’s team for its Designer Brand Portfolio. This role is responsible for managing press, media & influencer relations across organic channels for the 3 brands comprising the Designer Brand Portfolio: Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, and Marni. The role will work across all categories – Women’s & Men’s Ready-to-Wear & Accessories - to support the communication strategies for brand campaigns, product launches, influence & talent relationships, as well as local brand events. Pivotal to this role, will be the construction of an in-house public relations office to drive the portfolio’s efforts to build brand equity and awareness in North America. This position will report directly to the SVP, Communications & Marketing in the US and require strong institutional knowledge across all public relations verticals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy:

• Develop & execute overall communications strategy, storytelling and PR plan for all 3 brands
• Develop and implement seasonal strategies to promote a positive brand image for the Designer Portfolio Brands in the USA, including strategic product placements in brand-appropriate & qualitative print and digital media titles across the region
• Develop and implement regional press plans to & product launch strategies tailored to support store openings & retail pushes
• Oversee press requests (features, news coverage, samples, other collateral), with agency.
• Manage all earned media and public relations activities for the brand, with agency
• Monitor & analyze earned media in print and digital, with agency
• Manage guestlist, outreach & attendance for key brand events (Fashion Show & local brand awareness activations)
• Identify and source new opportunities for local PR-worthy activations and partnerships

Operations:

• Build infrastructure for in-house public relations office, overseeing the transition from 3P agencies to O&O showroom.
• Manage showroom & sample traffic, data management tools, inventory, clipping, contact databases
• Communicate brand image activities internally across corporate and retail teams
• Support HQ PR, marketing, image, VIP and digital teams with international press and marketing activations taking place in the US
• Work cross-functionally across the business units - Ecom, Retail, Wholesale, Merchandising - to align on business opportunities and needs
• Manage department intern, and day to day contact with any agencies in market

BACKGROUND

• 3-5 years of prior fashion PR experience (in house or agency)
• 1-2 years experience as a manager
• Prior experience at a luxury fashion house, preferably European
• Passion or interest in luxury, fashion, or retail

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent project management skills, with strong organizational and planning abilities
• Impeccable attention to detail and organization skills
• Large professional network in US fashion/lifestyle/luxury media with existing relationships with key press, stylists, and influencers
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to maintain relationships and influence others
• Deep understanding of social media, online marketing, and cultural trends
• Strong knowledge of working in Google docs, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Good research and analytical skills
• High work ethic, integrity, and is not scared to “roll up his/her sleeves” to execute and drive results. Has an entrepreneurial attitude

Salary Range: $120,000 to $135,000

#LI-AR #OTB