Public Relations Manager

Position Details

Position Location: Dearborn, MI

Department: Marketing

Reports To: VP of Marketing

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Band: Professional

Job Classification: Hybrid

Summary

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for leading outbound company communications related to the Carhartt brand. This role leads the seasonal and yearly PR planning calendar to gain earned media by proactively positioning brand, product, and leadership stories to achieve coverage that inspires and delights consumers—introducing and inviting them to seek out Carhartt. This role encompasses ongoing media outreach programs, seasonal brand campaign initiatives, product introductions, media activations, and agency management. It requires exceptional writing, storytelling, and influencing capabilities.

We are All Leaders at Carhartt

In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

Responsibilities

• Establish PR cadence to elevate brand awareness, gaining credible authentic coverage that introduces new consumers to Carhartt while maintaining and growing our brand with our existing consumer base.
• Plan, develop and implement Public Relations plans and budgets to support the seasonal/yearly calendar of identified product and brand stories to amplify awareness of unique and personalized experiences in support of sell-through. 
• Reach our consumers' and partners' eyes and ears with relevant and authentic stories through consumer publications (broad, vertical, local) and trade publications (i.e., SGI - Sporting Goods Intelligence, SGB – Sporting Goods Business, Outdoor Insights, etc.).
• Support the communities in which we have operations by cultivating relationships with Local Media in Detroit - (i.e., Crain's, Detroit Free Press (The Freep), Networks), Kentucky, and Tennessee defined outlets.
• Manage consumer and trade-related media requests and arrange interviews with appropriate company spokesperson(s).
• Superior writing skills with a passion for digging deep to create unique storytelling opportunities that provide the "why should people care" breakthrough narrative that will influence editors to share with their readers. 
• Partner with our influencer network team to organically contextualize the brand in places where traditional media does not reach our consumers.
• Collaborate with brand, creative, and product teams (plus licensed goods) to support seasonal themed activities and alignment to drive the most significant leverage for the brand locally, nationally, and globally 
• Secure the positioning with media that Carhartt is the most loved workwear brand able to meet the needs of all hardworking people by leveraging the value proposition of the most durable, versatile gear on earth and is a brand that does the right thing.
• Manage all assigned agencies and partners, including all scope of work identification, contract negotiation, reporting, and workflow.
• Lead the development and maintenance of all PR databases, style guides, reports, and general best practices (media kits, background information, media lists, etc.) 
• Collaborate with the Corporate Internal Communications team to establish a cadence of communication activities to keep our associates informed on consumer and trade relations 
• Pivot between seasonal and day-to-day management for multiple projects, tracking and monitoring project progress with budget oversight.
• Keeps leaders and cross-functional teams informed of all PR activities.
• In partnership with the agency, defines KPIs for success.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience required in Communication or Related Field
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• Five years of relevant communications or PR experience in a product-oriented, consumer-driven company.
• Apparel/Fashion or Retail company/brand experience is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels within the organization, including the owner, senior leadership, retail partners, suppliers, licensees and media.
• Ability to multi-task multiple projects in different states of completion, delivering them on time and budget.
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and attention to detail.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Office and Apparel Manufacturing Environment
• Travel (20%)
• Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Tobacco Free