Job Description

Job Overview:

The Vice President, Corporate Communications plays a critical role in ensuring the company achieves its growth agenda and works to enhance and promote the reputation of the company’s people, brands, and services. This role leads a team of 14 to promote, enhance and protect the iconic Macy’s brand as well as building the corporate brand of Macy’s Inc. As a senior member of the communications team, you will be on the front lines of how Macy’s transforms their corporate and consumer image as a powerhouse omnichannel retailer.

This senior-level executive is responsible for all consumer public relations and business communications for Macy’s nationally and regionally. This includes corporate and consumer media relations; financial communications; issues/crisis management; brand, product, and event communications. In addition, he/she will partner with the company’s social media team to protect and enhance the brand; driving a thought leadership program that includes strategic placement of executive speakers. He/she will partner closely with the CEO, CFO, Chief Merchandising Officer, and Chief Digital Officer and their teams.

Essential Functions:

Work with the SVP, Corporate Communications to develop and implement an aggressive, proactive media and social media strategy to generate media interest in the Macy’s story – both corporate and consumer.
Partner with SVP, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations to further develop the company’s narrative each quarter. Lead the financial communications team in their effort to drive strategy in partnership with investor relations stakeholders on the annual report, earnings reports, news releases, and materials for analyst meetings.
Serve as a national spokesperson for Macy’s Inc. and advise spokespeople nationally and regionally on the Macy’s brand.
Develop other senior leaders of management into spokespeople, as appropriate, and coordinate media interviews for the leadership team.
Support SVP of Corporate Communications in crisis and issues management which includes crafting statements and managing communications flow with customer service, legal, business affairs, marketing, and other stakeholders.
Craft messages and develop communications strategy for product launches, diversity & inclusion programs, and marketing campaigns.
Create and implement annual PR plan encompassing national, online and in-store events, fashion, holiday, cause marketing and corporate initiatives, etc., as well as special projects that have national scope such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Oversee creation of public relations collateral.
Measure the effective management and allocation of PR resources.
Manage and direct public relations agency support.
Lead team to coordinate seasonal Fashion Press Preview for national and local medias including television stylists, online influencers, and consumer fashion/lifestyle media outlets.
Develop a full understanding of the business strategy and operational rhythms of Macy’s, Inc.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree required in related field, along with 15+ years of demonstrated expertise in corporate, public relations and media relations experience.
Strong national media relations relationships in some of the following areas: business, entertainment, retail, style, fashion, beauty, advertising, lifestyle, and consumer products.
Excellent writing and presentation skills along with a strong business and financial acumen.
Ability to think creatively, strategically, and technically. Strategic, results-oriented and executes flawlessly, with a fluid and flexible work style.
Crisis communications experience, sound judgment, and ability to operate calmly in high pressure, short-deadline situations.
Strong personal impact with the ability to easily build relationships and credibility.
Ability to work with and counsel senior executives on sensitive and confidential matters.
Demonstrated ability to develop and effectively manage high-performing teams and interact with individuals at all levels of an organization.
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and Company needs.