Executive Director, Global Communications, Makeup ELC
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.About the role
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.
Description
The Executive Director, Global Communications, Makeup, will lead the development and execution of a cohesive, forward-thinking global communications strategy for the ELC makeup portfolio, including iconic brands such as M·A·C and Bobbi Brown. This senior leader will be responsible for elevating the brands' narrative, driving global awareness, and protecting and enhancing their reputations. The Executive Director will manage a high-performing team to secure impactful media coverage, lead brand storytelling, position key executives, and spearhead philanthropic initiatives. This is a leadership role that balances high-level strategy with a deep understanding of execution in a dynamic, global environment.
Principal Accountabilities:
Strategy Execution & Media Relations:
• Design and direct the overarching global communications strategy to support new product launches, hero products, and key brand moments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-touch, and winning team culture.
• Set the strategic direction for the company’s makeup portfolio reputation and media efforts, securing buy-in from senior management and brand leaders.
• Oversee the development and management of the global communications budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and ROI.
• Lead the global awards strategy, identifying and pursuing opportunities to recognize brand excellence and product innovation.
Media Relations & Brand Storytelling:
• Act as a senior liaison with top-tier US and international media, leveraging executive-level relationships to create significant brand opportunities.
• Guide the team and PR agency to pitch and secure major feature stories that articulate the brands' core narratives and innovation.
• Oversee executive positioning, identifying and preparing brand leaders for high-profile interviews, speaking engagements, and media appearances.
• Ensure the makeup brands are at the forefront of cultural conversations, strategically aligning with relevant moments and trends.
Philanthropy & Cross-Functional Partnership:
• Lead the communications strategy and execution for all philanthropic initiatives across the makeup brands, driving awareness and engagement.
• In partnership with cross-functional leaders, manage crisis and issues communications to protect brand equity globally.
• Develop high-quality written materials that convey the portfolio's narrative, including messaging platforms, press releases, Q&As, and speeches.
Qualifications
• 12-15+ years of related public relations/communications experience.
• Proven experience leading and coaching a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Extensive network of senior-level relationships within the US beauty, lifestyle, and business press.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful, large-scale communications strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in an additional language is a plus.
• Must possess an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit.
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
Pay Range:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $177,100.00 to $304,500.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program as well as participation in the share incentive plan. In addition,
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results. In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible empl
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