Director, PR Brand Marketing

About the role

The Director of Brand Marketing and PR will lead the strategic vision and execution of public relations and brand marketing initiatives for Mark and Graham, a fast-growing lifestyle brand focused on travel, accessories, and home goods. You'll drive brand partnerships, influencer collaborations, media placements, and compelling storytelling that showcase the brand's unique position in the market. This role is ideal for a creative, resourceful leader who thrives in a collaborative, scrappy environment and can wear multiple hats while building the brand's visibility and reach.

What you'll be doing

• Drive strategic public relations and brand marketing initiatives for Mark and Graham, developing compelling brand narratives and maintaining consistent messaging across all channels.
• Build and cultivate high-value relationships with influencers, celebrities, and media partners; identify and negotiate partnership opportunities that align with brand positioning and drive engagement.
• Develop partnership themes and concepts, including seasonal campaigns, sweepstakes, and collaborations (approximately quarterly) with luxury travel, lifestyle, and media partners to expand brand reach and customer acquisition.
• Manage content ideation and storytelling strategy in close collaboration with the creative team and internal stakeholders, identifying the right partners and platforms to authentically communicate brand stories.
• Lead influencer outreach and talent partnerships, identifying emerging creators and established personalities who resonate with the Mark and Graham customer and can authentically showcase products in travel and lifestyle contexts.
• Coordinate with retained PR agency on media relations and earned media opportunities, serving as the primary point of contact for all PR communications and ensuring alignment with brand strategy.
• Work closely with the design and merchandising teams to understand products and market positioning, translating insights into compelling marketing and partnership angles.
• Manage daily partnership communications, negotiations, and problem resolution with external partners and stakeholders, ensuring smooth execution and satisfaction.
• Oversee support staff and collaborate with a content manager (reporting through the creative team) to ensure seamless execution of campaigns and initiatives across all channels.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activities, and social media landscape (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) to continuously inform strategy and identify emerging partnership opportunities.

What we're looking for

• Proven expertise in leading brand marketing and PR initiatives, ideally within lifestyle, fashion, or consumer goods sectors with digital-first strategies.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with strong experience cultivating partnerships with influencers, celebrity talent, and media contacts at all levels.
• Natural connector with the ability to identify and leverage partnerships that authentically align with brand values and drive meaningful business results.
• Strong leadership experience managing a small, collaborative team with a hands-on approach to mentorship and performance management.
• Deep understanding of modern social platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, with the ability to think strategically about content and storytelling across channels.
• Creative thinker who can develop compelling narratives and identify unique partnership opportunities that differentiate the brand in the marketplace.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating brand vision both internally with cross-functional teams and externally with partners, media, and influencers.
• Resourceful and entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable working in a scrappy, fast-moving environment where you drive ideas and execution directly.
• Strategic partner who can work closely with design, merchandising, and creative teams to align brand vision and bring marketing initiatives to life.
• Resilient and adaptable, thriving in a growing, collaborative culture that values innovation and relationship-building over rigid processes.

What you'll need

• Proven experience in public relations and brand marketing, preferably at a senior level within the retail, consumer goods, or lifestyle industry.
• Strong track record of building and nurturing relationships with influencers, celebrities, and media contacts to drive brand awareness and engagement.
• Excellent negotiation skills with demonstrated success in structuring and closing partnership deals and media placements.
• Exceptional ability to identify and cultivate strategic relationships with external partners, influencers, and media outlets.
• Experience in a collaborative leadership environment, comfort