Director – Fashion & Accessories Job at Paul Wilmot Communications in New York

Paul Wilmot Communications is looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic Director of Public Relations to join its thriving Fashion team, which works with both men's and women's fashion and accessories brands. The ideal candidate will lead and manage the Fashion Division by delivering exceptional results through superior knowledge of the evolving media landscape and by motivating and mentoring the divisional team to support on strategy goals.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a breadth of experience across men's and women's fashion and accessories clientele, with a minimum of 8+ years of experience in this area and at least 4 years in a senior leadership role at an agency or in-house. This candidate will possess a proven roster of senior level editorial contacts spanning fashion, accessories and luxury lifestyle press, and demonstrate the ability to negotiate and secure features, executive profiles, trade stories, product placement and ongoing coverage on behalf of clients. Management experience and a positive track record of leading a team are a requirement for this role.

Candidate Attributes

• Superior knowledge of the industry across multiple fashion & accessories disciplines
• Established roster of senior contacts across trade and consumer press
• Demonstrated track record executing successful brand and product launches, fashion shows, presentations & previews, pop ups, retail events, press trips and press-facing activations
• Articulate communicator with the ability to manage senior level client relationships, including aligning on strategy goals, securing large scale media wins, and demonstrating the ability to problem solve in moments of conflict
• Experience creating and executing strategic brand partnerships, collaborations and largescale event concepts
• Possesses a growing roster of influencer, stylist and talent contacts that support client results
• Proven leadership skills with experience growing a team, promoting from within, and maintaining staff retention
• Ability to make critical decisions that determine the overall success of client campaigns and brand initiatives
• Aligns with Executive Team on company vision and values
• Goes above and beyond to deliver excellent service to clients
• Passionate about networking and bringing new relationships into the agency
• Entrepreneurial with a desire to grow the fashion division

Deliverables:

• Oversee fashion division account portfolio by implementing winning PR strategies, providing daily strategic counsel to clients, and offering solutions and insights for improving campaign outcomes
• Lead and mentor a results-driven team by establish training and mentoring programs for all divisional staff, including incoming hires, employees experiencing challenges, and excelling team members on track for a promotion
•  Conceptualize and execute strategic bi-annual and long-term PR plans for clients including unique, buzz-worthy ideas and impactful media placement objectives
• Handle majority of high-level pitching for the client – including strategizing on larger scale editorial opportunities: features, profiles, expert source contribution and thought leadership
• Evolve client strategies and ensure retention through initiating strategic collaborations, activation concepts and content-driven campaigns
• Lead the planning and execution of fashion shows, presentations, retail activations, launch events, press conferences and press trips
• Oversee expansion of VIP/Celebrity and Influencer Relations initiatives, including fostering relationships with top stylists and talent agents for brand placement opportunities
• Review and approve budgets with clients
• Develop case studies showcasing successful campaigns, brand launches, thought leadership and events
• Coordinate with PWC Executive Team to identify and hire new talent, including interns and full-time staff
• Act as liaison between CEO and clients for all account issues / problems
• Weekly networking with influencer media, stylists, influencers and brand representatives
• Cultivate a positive image for PWC within the industry by delivering exceptional results, a loyal clientele, and a competitive rate of staff retention

Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in an agency or corporate setting. Experience with luxury fashion clientele required
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related degree
• A long tenure at previous positions within the industry
• Proven ability to set and shift priorities according to client and agency demand – flexibility on assignments and scope of work
• Skilled communicator with a deep foundation of experience in building and maintaining editor relationships
• Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to work as a part of a team in the development of agency capabilities and track record
• A willingness to take ownership, attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and high-profile clients

Compensation: $92,000 to $115,000 annually

Paul Wilmot Communications was established in 1997 in New York City. Over the course of the last 20 years, the agency has produced a significant public relations track record drawing from the highest profile fashion houses, prestige beauty brands, global consumer brands, retailers, and luxury lifestyle clientele. By cross-promoting within our divisions, PWC offers our clients access to new markets, thought leadership and increased visibility. Paul Wilmot Communications is a minority owned and led business. The agency is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer.