Director, PR

Madewell • New York, NY

6d • $136,000 - $175,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Public Relations will lead the development and execution of Madewell’s PR, partnerships, and VIP events strategy, driving earned media, cultural relevance, and external brand positioning across fashion, lifestyle, and business press. This role will shape and execute high-impact brand moments through partnerships, events, and storytelling opportunities that strengthen brand awareness and position Madewell as a leader in fashion and retail among both consumers and industry peers. This individual will also help create partnerships and content opportunities that drive engagement with existing audiences while expanding the brand’s cultural relevance and reach. The Director of Public Relations will also lead ongoing media relations and external communications, driving consistent, high-quality coverage while supporting key business initiatives, product launches, campaigns, and brand moments through thoughtful strategy and execution. This leader should bring both operational rigor and a creative, forward-thinking mindset to the role. They should have a strong understanding of culture, a clear point of view, and a proven ability to bring fresh ideas and opportunities to the table. Success in this role will be measured by consistent earned media results, as well as the development and execution of standout brand moments that create meaningful impact for the brand. They will partner cross-functionally to amplify key initiatives externally and ensure all public-facing communications align with broader brand and business objectives.

Requirements

• 10+ years of public relations experience, preferably within fashion, retail, or lifestyle brands
• Proven track record of developing and executing impactful PR strategies that drive earned media visibility and brand relevance
• Strong understanding of culture, trends, and the evolving media landscape, with the ability to identify opportunities that create meaningful brand impact
• Experience developing high-visibility partnerships, events, and brand moments that generate conversation and engagement
• Deep relationships across fashion, lifestyle, retail, and business media
• Strong experience managing external PR agencies and talent relationships
• Strategic thinker with strong creative instincts and a forward-thinking mindset
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Highly organized with strong project management and executional capabilities
• Ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for storytelling, brand building, and creating culturally relevant work that moves the brand forward

Nice To Haves

• We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal and annual PR strategies aligned with brand and business priorities, driving earned media visibility, cultural relevance, and external brand positioning
• Lead communications execution for product all launches, campaigns, collaborations, store openings, partnerships, and key business initiatives
• Bring a strong creative point of view and deep understanding of culture, trends, and the evolving media landscape, with the ability to identify opportunities that create meaningful brand impact
• Concept and execute high-impact brand moments, partnerships, events, and storytelling opportunities that generate conversation, engagement, and meaningful visibility for the brand
• Identify culturally relevant talent, influencer, partner, and media opportunities that amplify brand storytelling and expand reach
• Build and maintain strong relationships across fashion, lifestyle, retail, and business media, as well as key industry and cultural stakeholders
• Lead all media outreach - with support of agencies - including pitching, securing impactful coverage that supports brand awareness, credibility, and relevance
• Develop press materials including releases, messaging documents, briefing materials, and media kits, ensuring consistency across all public-facing communications
• Monitor industry, consumer, and cultural trends to inform strategy and proactively identify emerging opportunities for the brand
• Oversee VIP strategy and event execution tied to key launches, partnerships, and ongoing brand visibility.
• Lead communications and VIP agency relationships, establishing clear priorities and ensuring strong execution against brand and business objectives
• Partner cross-functionally with Integrated Marketing, Creative, Merchandising, Ecommerce, and Leadership teams to ensure activations and communications align with broader brand objectives and are fully integrated across channels
• Provide communications counsel and strategic support for executive visibility opportunities and external-facing brand initiatives
• Drive thoughtful, detail-oriented execution across every launch and activation, ensuring all brand moments are delivered at a high creative and operational standard

Benefits

• Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.
• We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
• In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.
• We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed