External Communications Associate

Macy's • New York, NY

2d • $94,200 - $156,960 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate, External Communications supports communications for Macy’s and Macy’s, Inc. These positions will be focused on operations and brand. The positions will help to execute integrated communications and public relations strategies that bring the Macy’s narrative to life nationwide. The operations-focused role supports communications across stores, supply chain, and Culture and HR initiatives, including key store-related initiatives, thought leadership, and storytelling that highlights the colleague experience, while also playing a role in crisis communications and reputation management. The brand and product role will focus on brand campaigns and events, product launches, iconic events and related storytelling. Both roles support media relations and help protect the Macy’s brand by managing inquiries, de-escalating issues, and addressing public concerns.

Requirements

• Storytelling and Communication: Ability to craft compelling narratives and develop integrated communication strategies that enhance Macy’s brand image. Strong command of language and writing for various materials including communications plans, press materials, and executive messaging.
• Media Relations: Proven success in building and maintaining relationships with traditional and non-traditional media, including pitching stories and managing media interactions. Established contacts with consumer and business media outlets are highly desirable.
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in developing short- and long-term communication strategies, including crisis management and handling complex communications challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executives, store leadership, civic partners, and non-profits. Highly collaborative and effective in team settings.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in overseeing budgets and managing communication initiatives effectively.
• Crisis Management: Experience in handling crisis communication and media interactions related to various events, natural disasters, and other unexpected challenges.
• Creative and Proactive Thinking: Innovative and confident thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and issue mitigation.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office suite, media monitoring programs (Muckrack, Cision, Meltwater, Critical Mention, etc.), Canva, SquareSpace and social media channels.
• Writing and Editing Skills: Strong ability to create and edit press materials, media advisories, and new media content. Skilled in developing concise and engaging content with a conversational voice.
• Independent Work: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, making sound decisions and managing communications effectively.
• Personal Impact and Credibility: Strong personal impact with the ability to build relationships and establish credibility easily.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• 5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or a related field.
• This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs, including regular travel to Herald Square offices.
• Able to travel occasionally for local and national events and media opportunities.

Nice To Haves

• Prior retail experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the company’s storytelling to showcase why Macy’s is a leading brand and retail innovator.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term strategies for key company initiatives such as new partnerships, collaborations, launches, expansions, consumer campaigns and event activations to generate positive media coverage.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with traditional and non-traditional media contacts, focusing on national and priority media markets across all regions.
• Create and edit press materials, media advisories and messaging, manage new media content development, and pitch stories for ongoing placements.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external leadership, including company executives, brand and product leadership, civic partners, and non-profit organizations.
• Provide media training for spokespeople, focusing on thought leadership for key company executives to represent Macy’s nationally and in their respective markets.
• Manage complex, fast-moving, and unexpected communications challenges and media interactions effectively.
• Collaborate with the External Communications Team to recap media results regularly (quarterly and by project).
• Review internal and external communications materials to ensure alignment with the organization's overall mission and goals.
• Oversee management of multimedia assets including media websites, media materials and photography.
• Assist in managing team budget
• Lead and support crisis management and proactive crisis mitigation efforts.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
• Provide on-site support for key enterprise events, including the Macy’s Flower Show, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday, and other initiatives; this requires availability on nights, weekends and national holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• 401(k) match
• Paid time off
• Eight paid holidays
• Continuous learning and leadership development
• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree