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.
Strategy
RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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
