Manager of Public Relations, OXO

Join our Marketing team at Helen of Troy and make an immediate impact on our trusted brands: OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, and Revlon. Together, we build innovative and useful products that elevate people's lives everywhere every day.

Look around your home, and you'll find us everywhere, in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. We are already making your everyday lives better. We are powered by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking people committed to developing a culture of inclusion. Whether you are just starting your career or in need of a challenge, we recognize, develop, and empower talent!

Position: Manager of Public Relations, OXO

Department: Marketing for OXO

Work Location: New York, NY, Hybrid (work 3 days onsite)

Hybrid Schedule: Helen of Troy associates enjoy the advantages and flexibility of a hybrid working model, allowing for in office 3 days minimum, and remote 2 days. Any changes to this working model would be communicated accordingly.

What you will be doing:

The Manager of Public Relations is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive public relations and influencer strategies to improve brand awareness, reputation, and engagement. This role leads all aspects of all PR activities, including media relations, press releases, and crisis management, as well as managing influencer partnerships to drive brand advocacy and reach. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about storytelling, media relations, and demonstrating the power of influencer marketing and external agencies to build brand equity.

The Manager will also supervise a team of 1-2 direct reports and manage external PR agencies, ensuring alignment with the overall marketing strategy and business objectives. This position is a unique blend of public relations and influencer marketing responsibilities, with an emphasis on 70% PR and 30% Influencer Marketing.

• Develop and implement a strategic PR plan that aligns with brand goals.

• Manage media relations, including encouraging relationships with key journalists, bloggers, and media outlets.

• Coordinate the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.

• Monitor and analyze media coverage, providing regular reports to senior management.

• Develop and complete influencer marketing campaigns that align with brand messaging and objectives.

• Identify, negotiate, and maintain relationships with influencers, ensuring alignment with brand values.

• Track and analyze the performance of influencer campaigns, optimizing strategies for maximum impact.

• Collaborate with influencers to create authentic, engaging content that resonates with target audiences.

• Select and handle external PR agencies to ensure they meet brand standards and strategic goals.

• Oversee agency activities, including media outreach, event coordination, and content creation.

• Evaluate agency performance regularly, giving constructive input to ensure alignment with brand objectives.

• Ensure effective communication between internal teams and external agencies to streamline processes and deliver results.

• Lead and mentor 1-2 direct reports, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the PR and influencer team, ensuring timely and effective execution of tasks.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve team effectiveness.

• Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan, ensuring the brand is prepared for any potential PR issues.

• Act as the primary point of contact during a crisis, handling communications and mitigating damage to the brand’s reputation.

• Collaborate with internal key team members to ensure a unified response to crises.

• Work closely with the broader marketing, digital, and creative teams to ensure consistency in brand messaging across all channels.

• Collaborate with product, sales, and customer service teams to align PR and influencer strategies with overall business goals.

Skills needed to be successful in this role:

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists, bloggers, and media outlets, including securing coverage, pitching stories, and handling press events.

• Skilled in creating and distributing press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.

• Experienced in crisis communication, handling media inquiries, and protecting brand reputation in high-stress situations.