Brand Public Relations Specialist

The Specialist, Brand Public Relations will support the team through execution of strategic brand PR initiatives for Neiman Marcus. The Specialist, Brand Public Relations will work closely with the Sr. Specialist, Brand Public Relations and the rest of the Brand Public Relations and Brand Experience team to secure priority earned media coverage and deliver quality communications deliverables to key internal and external stakeholders.

The Specialist can expect to be immersed in many aspects of the Neiman Marcus business and regularly engage with senior executives and internal business partners, including Marketing, Creative, Merchandising, and Corporate Communications teams, among others. The ideal candidate must have excellent communication and storytelling abilities, demonstrate continued creativity and curiosity of the business, and an eagerness to stay ahead of the curve to maintain Neiman Marcus’ position as the premier luxury retailer. This position should be filled by a self-starter with meticulous organization, time management, and creative skills.

 As Specialist, Brand Public Relations, you will be responsible for securing earned coverage and managing multiple projects simultaneously.  

 Additional key priorities are listed below:

• Partners with and coordinates across Brand Public Relations, Brand Experience, Corporate Communications, ESG & Belonging, Social Media, Marketing, Creative and Merchandising departments to ensure consistency in telling the Neiman Marcus story.
• Involvement in the strategic development and execution of Neiman Marcus’ public relations plan with a focus on securing earned consumer and industry coverage across national and local outlets.
• Serve as a trusted partner to Brand Experience and Marketing teams, helping to strategically identify and execute press-worthy opportunities that communicate Neiman Marcus’ brand story and values
• Responsibilities include media monitoring and reporting, preparing and editing press materials such as pitches, press releases, media alerts, interview and media briefs, working with teams across multiple time zones, coordinating image, sample and editorial requests, staying up-to-date with Neiman Marcus, industry and competitor news, supporting corporate and store events and key initiatives, and assisting with agency-led initiatives.
• Work closely with local Brand Experience and Brand Public Relations team members to ensure national PR strategies are executed effectively in local markets.   
• The ideal candidate is an outstanding writer, proactive and collaborative team player, and able to manage planning, execution, and reporting for several initiatives at once.
• Consistently delivers expected results within agreed upon deadlines.
• Agency, retail or fashion-industry experience and existing relationships with local and national press is a plus.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of two to three (2-3) years of communications experience with a focus on public relations
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience utilizing SharePoint, Cision, PRNewswire, and media across digital, print, broadcast, and social
• AP Style proficient
• Ability to organize and manage files on SharePoint, assess press-worthiness, identify opportunities to amplify press interest, positively approach challenges, and committed to problem solving
• Superb time management skills within a highly charged, fast-paced environment
• Detailed oriented, organized, and flourishes when multi-tasking
• You are a natural storyteller, perform under pressure, and are able to prioritize and execute on short- and long-term initiatives
• Embodies a flexible nature for change and excitement for exploring new avenues of outreach
• Proven ability to drive results
• Candidate should be well-organized, enthusiastic, keen attention to detail, and professional

Job Functions:

• Conduct daily media monitoring to track key coverage and industry trends, distribute to key internal stakeholders
• Coordinate image/sample/editorial product pull requests
• Draft, edit and distribute press materials (press releases, media alerts, pitches, interview and media briefings, statements and quotes)
• Support local store Brand Experience team with events, announcements, key initiatives, and incoming press requests
• Support social/influencer key initiatives and vet press-worthiness
• Pitch, vet, and coordinate interview opportunities to top-tier consumer press; comfortable working directly with executives on press opportunities
• Work closely with merchant teams to identify press-worthy/exclusive/trending items in their assortment for product pitching as well as any activation, interview, or engagement opportunities with brand partners
• Partner with Corporate and Internal comms on overlapping initiatives and internal associate/press recognition
• Assist in the development and execution of seasonal press strategies