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

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Create a strategic intent and framework for romantic gifting and fashion-first communications across all platforms and customer touchpoints, leading with Kay & Zales Brands.
• Drive execution of brand communication strategies and frameworks.
• Serve as the primary contact for the Presidents of Kay & Zales, preparing them for communications engagements and providing counsel.
• Work closely with Signet's Corporate Communications / ESG team to align messaging on non-product topics of consumer interest such as sustainability and charitable giving.
• Partner with the VP of Marketing to develop and grow the Kay & Zales always-on creator community.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute on-brand events that encourage viral moments and creator engagement.
• Collaborate with corporate departments to accurately represent the brands in corporate content like Annual Reports and Sustainability Reports.
• Develop communications based on consumer insights to better understand customers, trends, and the competitive landscape.
• Provide strategic counsel to executives on media opportunities, internal and crisis communications, and brand reputation management.
• Oversee creation and distribution of press releases, briefing materials, media kits, and facilitate executive media preparation.
• Track, analyze, and report on the performance of brand communications and PR strategies to inform future initiatives.
• Mentor junior brand and PR professionals, offering guidance and support.
• Stay 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 in multiple communication disciplines within a large, global organization.
• 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 media.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to quickly build credibility and influence audiences.
• Polished, confident demeanor suitable for conducting media interviews.
• Ability to operate effectively despite uncertainty or ambiguity.

Nice to Have

• Experience managing progressively complex projects in a corporate, brand, agency, or consultancy environment.
• Experience with influencer engagement and content development.
• Experience with developing branding strategies for new product launches.

Qualifications

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