Vice President, Brand Communications & Public Relations - Kay & Zales Brands

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Creates a strategic intent and framework for romantic gifting and fashion-first communications across all platforms and customer touchpoints, leading with Kay & Zales Brands.
• Drives execution of brand communication strategies and frameworks.
• Serves as the primary contact for the Presidents of Kay & Zales, preparing them for communications engagements and providing counsel.
• Works with Signet's Corporate Communications / ESG team to promote Signet-wide messaging on topics like sustainability, charitable giving, and the Signet/Kay & Zales Promise.
• Partners with the VP of Marketing to develop and grow the Kay & Zales always-on creator community.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes on-brand events to generate viral moments and creator engagement.
• Collaborates with corporate departments to represent Kay & Zales in corporate content such as Annual Reports and earnings communications.
• Develops consumer insights-based communications to better understand customers, trends, and competitive landscape.
• Provides strategic counsel on media opportunities, internal and crisis communications, and brand reputation management.
• Oversees creation and distribution of press releases, briefing materials, media kits, and facilitates executive media preparation.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports on the performance of brand communications and PR strategies to inform future initiatives.
• Mentors junior brand and PR professionals, providing guidance and support.
• Stays informed on industry trends, competitor activities, and market developments.

Requirements

• Experience in digital/social media marketing and communications.
• Strong writing skills and strategic communications thinking.
• Relevant experience working for a large, global company or organization in multiple communication disciplines.
• Experience in the retail and consumer products industries.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 20+ years of experience in a communications/public relations related field.
• Minimum 15+ years of management/leadership experience.
• Proven experience working directly with C-suite executives.
• Experience managing external public relations agencies and resources; national experience preferred.
• Strong relationships with consumer press.
• Experience in managing crisis communications.
• Development of a proactive media relations strategy using digital, social, and traditional mediums.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, confident demeanor, and ability to conduct media interviews.
• Ability to influence audiences and build credibility quickly.
• Polished and confident representation of the company and brand.

Nice to Have

• Experience managing progressively complex projects in a corporate, brand, agency, or consultancy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 20+ years of experience in a communications/public relations related field.
• Minimum 15+ years of management/leadership experience.