DESCRIPTION:
The Senior Director of Media Relations will lead high-level public relations strategies and manage key client relationships within the fashion and lifestyle industries. This person will oversee strategic media outreach, campaign execution, and industry engagement while managing a team of publicists and collaborating with cross-functional partners. This individual will also play a pivotal role in business development, expanding KCD's media network and securing new opportunities for brand visibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Media Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute high-level media strategies, securing top-tier editorial placements.
- Cultivate relationships with editors, journalists, and media executives across print, digital, and broadcast.
- Oversee feature story development, product placements, and brand storytelling, ensuring media alignment.
- Lead media outreach for fashion shows, collection launches, and industry events.
- Stay ahead of trends, competitor activity, and media shifts to position KCD's clients strategically.
Client Management & Business Development
- Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, managing PR strategies and expectations.
- Identify opportunities for client exposure, leveraging strategic media partnerships.
- Guide clients on brand positioning, messaging, and media engagement.
- Partner with KCD's leadership to expand service offerings and drive new business.
Team Leadership & Operations
- Manage and mentor a team of publicists and senior publicists, ensuring seamless execution.
- Oversee cross-functional collaboration between PR, digital, and event teams.
- Provide executive-level updates on media performance and campaign impact.
- Ensure all press strategies align with client objectives and deliver measurable results.
Event & Fashion Week Media Relations
- Oversee media operations for global fashion weeks, press activations, and industry events.
- Manage event press strategy, including seating, invitations, and front-of-house coordination.
- Ensure flawless execution of media-facing activations and editorial opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years of experience in media relations or PR, preferably in fashion, luxury, or lifestyle industries.
- Proven success in securing top-tier press placements and editorial features.
- Strong industry relationships with editors, journalists, and media executives.
- Strategic thinker, balancing creative storytelling with analytical insights.
- Proven leadership experience, managing teams and high-profile clients.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with expertise in brand messaging.
- Experience in business development, client relations, and expanding media partnerships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Launchmetrics or similar platforms preferred.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 10+ years in media relations, public relations, or communications.
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, Communications, or Public Relations preferred.
- Proven leadership managing teams and executing large-scale media strategies.
- Ability to travel (domestic/international) frequently for industry events, fashion weeks, and client activations.
Technical Skills:
- Expert in media tracking and analytics tools (Launchmetrics, Cision, Muck Rack).
- Strong knowledge of digital media, editorial strategy, and press outreach.
- Proficient in event press operations, including show seating and media coordination.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills for reporting, presentations, and strategy development.
- Experience managing press budgets, sponsorships, and contract negotiations.
- Familiarity with CRM tools for tracking partnerships and media relationships.