Specialist, Brand Public Relations
Position Overview:
The Specialist, Brand Public Relations will support the team through execution of strategic public relations programs that support overarching brand and merchant driven programming for Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and HORCHOW. The Specialist, Brand Public Relations will support the Director, Brand Public Relations and Managers, Brand Public Relations working hand-in-hand with marketing, social, digital, events, charitable giving, creative, partnerships, co-op, and promotions teams, along with merchant divisions, to continue the coordination of key public relations activities while creating new and innovative approaches to delivering world-class communications support.
The Specialist, Brand Public Relations can expect to be immersed in all aspects of the marketing, events, and digital disciplines and regularly engage with senior executives, corporate finance, Neiman Marcus buyers, vendors, and international, national, and local media. The Specialist should be well-versed in media communications and should be proactive, reactive, and professional at all times.
The Specialist, Brand Public Relations must have excellent communication skills, demonstrate continued creativity and curiosity of the business, and understand the critical importance of attending to the smallest of details. 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 managing multiple projects simultaneously, such as supporting the Director and Managers of Brand Public Relations in the management of key public relations programs, coordinating store-level press relations, contributing content and supporting the management of the company’s brand news engine. The Specialist, Brand Public Relations will also partner with divisions such as Corporate Communications, Culture, and Charitable Giving to synchronize messaging and programming.
This role will create and manage the team’s digital Brand Public Relations Toolkit and coordinating the regular inductions of new store PR Managers and PR Assistant Managers with our protocols and SOPs.
Additional key priorities are listed below:
Assists Director and Managers in the creation of strategic public relations priorities that positively align and promote our retail brands
Ensures consistency of messaging throughout store press materials
Serves as a resource for each of Neiman Marcus’ 42 store PR managers and supports their local PR efforts and media requests as needed
Drafts various press materials including briefing books, brand key messages, brand leadership speeches, presentations, press releases, media alerts, etc.
Works with Managers and PR Agency to refine daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports
Monitors incoming press inboxes and manages reactive press inquiries, including information, image and sample requests, and maintains internal database of media contacts
Works with Director and Managers to own management of budget and invoice processing
Partners with and coordinates across Corporate Communications and Culture departments to ensure content messaging consistency and timely delivery
The ability to work efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of internal and external partners is a key priority in this position. The Specialist, Brand Public Relations must have not only a keen passion and interest in public relations but an academic background in communications and an appreciation for the philanthropic legacy of Neiman Marcus.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience
BA/BS Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English or related major
Ability to develop strong press contacts and relationships
Ability to be available and/or accessible during non-traditional hours when/if needed
Is customer-focused and embodies the ability to build productive relationships with persons on all levels, both internally and externally
Is both innovative and resourceful, with an eye to detail in order to distinguish Neiman Marcus from the competition
AP Style proficient
Ability to work well under pressure and effectively handle multiple, concurrent demands, and appropriately prioritize responsibilities
Strong PC, technology, and social media skills
Ability to positively approach challenges and committed to problem solving
Superb time management skills within a highly charged, fast-paced environment
Excellent writing and grammar skills and professional phone presence
Detailed oriented, organized, and flourishes when multi-tasking
Embodies a flexible nature for change
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Candidate should be enthusiastic, articulate, poised, and professional
Ability to travel as required (5% of the time)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Mix of agency and corporate public relations experience highly preferred
Retail and/or fashion experience
Knowledge of media relations monitoring and management platforms (Cision, TrendKite, BurrellesLuce, etc.)