External Communications Associate - Brand and Product

Be part of an amazing story

Macy's is more than just a store. We're a story. One that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions...about inspiring stores and irresistible products...about the excitement of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.

Job Overview

The Associate, External Communications supports national and local branding efforts for Macy's stores. This role creates and executes integrated communications and public relations strategies that bring the Macy's narrative to life across the country. They focus on key store-related and local supply chain business initiatives, including new store openings, expansions, local community events, initiative-based launches, and crisis communication. The Associate also works closely with the team to protect the Macy's brand by managing media relations, de-escalating media emergencies, and addressing public issues related to stores nationwide.

What You Will Do

• Enhance the company's storytelling to showcase why Macy's is a leading brand, top employer, and retail innovator.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term strategies for key company initiatives involving stores and distribution centers, such as new store openings, expansions, small-format stores, and hiring initiatives, 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 and media advisories, manage new media content development, and pitch stories for ongoing placements.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external leadership, including company executives, store 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 quarterly and by project.
• Review internal and external communications materials to ensure alignment with the organization's overall mission and goals.
• Assist in managing the budget for the Stores communications pillar.
• Oversee multimedia websites for brand and store-based initiatives.
• Address real estate-related communications, including store closures.
• Lead crisis management efforts, including handling store incidents and natural disasters.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Skills You Will Need

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 store incidents, 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: Advanced use of Microsoft Office suite, media monitoring programs, 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.

Who You Are

• 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. Prior retail experience a plus.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands/fingers to touch, handle, and feel. Occasionally required to move about the workplace and reach with hands and arms. Requires close vision.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
• Able to travel occasionally throughout the region.

What We Can Offer You

Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.

Some additional benefits we offer include:

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.

About Us

This is a great time to join Macy's! Whether you're helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people's lives.

Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - Apply Today!

This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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