Senior Manager, Public Relations - North America

Job description

Position The Senior Manager, Public Relations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive public relations strategies and supporting corporate and retail events. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping and promoting the organization's brand image, enhancing its reputation, and ensuring successful, impactful events that align with business objectives. The Senior Manager will lead integrated communication efforts, manage media relations, create compelling content, and meticulously plan and execute a variety of events from concept to completion, with a specific focus on supporting RIMOWA collections.

Job responsibilities Strategic Planning & Development

Develop and implement integrated public relations and event strategies that align with the organization's overall business goals and objectives. Identify target audiences, craft key messages, and select the most effective communication channels for PR campaigns and event promotion. Create and manage comprehensive PR and event plans, including budgets, timelines, and deliverables.

Public Relations & Media Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and key media outlets (local, national, and international), nurturing existing relationships with editors, journalists, stylists, and tastemakers relevant to the brand. Lead media outreach initiatives, including pitching stories, handling inbound media queries, and securing media opportunities. Develop and create compelling content, storylines, and written materials such as press releases, media advisories, pitches, presentations, and articles.

Manage crisis communications and issues, developing crisis communication plans and providing guidance to leadership. Monitor public perception, analyze media coverage, and report on PR activity and results. Support internal communications content to increase employee understanding of PR activities and media coverage.

Specific brand responsibilities include: Manage U.S. and International editorial sample requests and transactions for RIMOWA collections. Liaise with HQ and all RIMOWA International press offices to support brand vision and global product initiatives. Collaborate with U.S. teams, especially Merchandising, to promote global and local product focuses and in-store initiatives across regional short and long-lead press. Optimize sample send-outs with the stockroom.

Generate weekly reports for HQ (requests by magazine, coverage), plus additional reports/recaps for special projects and shows. Create specific press clippings as needed. Format and distribute fashion show reviews and relevant news articles to the HQ press office. Maintain, organize, and archive all press materials (store photos, lookbooks, press kits, show videos). Complete monthly and seasonal competitive reports.

Event Planning & Execution

Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of various promotional, business, and social events from concept to completion. Liaise with clients and stakeholders to understand event requirements, objectives, and budget. Research and secure venues, suppliers, and contractors, negotiating prices and managing vendor relationships. Manage event logistics, including catering, travel, accommodation, security, and technical requirements.

Lead promotional activities for events, collaborating with marketing and social media teams to publicize and drive attendance. Manage on-site event execution, troubleshoot problems, and ensure events run smoothly and within budget. Conduct post-event analysis and evaluation to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of PR and/or event professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. Work closely with leadership and cross-functional departments (marketing, sales, product) to integrate PR and event initiatives. Represent the organization at press conferences, interviews, and public speaking engagements. Manage and delegate tasks to the PR coordinator and department interns.

Profile Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

Experience

Typically 7+ years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, and event management, with a significant portion in a senior role. Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns and managing impactful events. Experience in crisis communication and brand reputation management. Prior experience in the luxury goods, travel, or fashion accessory industry is highly preferred.

Additional information Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to motivate and inspire. Proficiency in media relations tools, social media platforms, and event management software.

Budget management expertise. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, often with tight deadlines.

Career development Skills

Budget management expertise.