Director, Public Relations and Partnerships

Knix is an award-winning intimate apparel and activewear brand re-inventing intimates for real life. Through innovative products and an engaged community, we empower people to be unapologetically free. Launched in 2013, we are one of the fastest-growing intimate apparel brands in North America and globally recognized as an innovator within the apparel space. We reach over 3 million customers through our online stores, Knix retail locations across North America, and channels such as wholesale and Amazon. We are revolutionizing the apparel industry with best-in-class customer experience, innovative products, and the brands Knix and Kt by Knix.

About the role

The Director, PR + Partnerships will play a key role in elevating the Knix, Kt by Knix, and MNTD brands by driving awareness, brand relevance, and consumer connection. Reporting to the Senior Director, Brand, this role will lead and evolve key functions across Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Creator & Content Partnerships, Community, Affiliate Marketing, and Brand Experiences. This role requires a strategic thinker and strong relationship builder who can translate overarching brand priorities into clear strategies and programs. The Director will oversee day-to-day leadership and execution, working closely with Brand Leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, develop plans, and ensure strong execution. The successful candidate will manage a team of three and key agency and external partners, balancing strategic thinking with operational leadership and hands-on problem solving. Some travel to our Toronto office approximately six times per year is required.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Senior Director, Brand to develop and execute strategies across PR, partnerships, creators, community, affiliate marketing, and brand experiences in support of broader brand and business priorities.
• Lead the day-to-day development and execution of the brand's public relations and communications strategy, focusing on driving meaningful earned media, storytelling, and cultural relevance across North America, particularly in the U.S.
• Manage the PR agency and other external partners, ensuring clear briefs, priorities, timelines, reporting, and accountability.
• Lead the development and execution of communications strategies, including proactive brand storytelling, media relations, executive and corporate communications, key announcements, and reactive communications, ensuring a consistent and compelling voice across priority audiences and channels.
• Oversee Creator & Content Partnerships across Ambassador, UGC, paid influencer, and talent programs, evolving a cohesive approach that drives brand awareness, advocacy, and high-quality content.
• Lead the development and execution of community-building initiatives that deepen consumer connection, foster brand advocacy, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.
• Oversee the planning and execution of key brand IRL experiences and activations, partnering with internal teams and external partners to bring the brand to life in meaningful and culturally relevant ways.
• Manage affiliate marketing programs and partnerships, including ShopMy, PR affiliates, creator affiliates, and traditional affiliate programs, identifying opportunities to grow and evolve the channel.
• Identify and evaluate strategic partnership opportunities that support brand relevance, audience growth, and earned impact.
• Partner closely with Brand, Social, Growth, Creative, and Regional teams to ensure PR, partnerships, and community initiatives are integrated into broader marketing plans and key brand moments.
• Develop clear briefs, plans, and presentations to support cross-functional alignment and execution.
• Establish and track KPIs across PR, partnerships, creator programs, affiliate marketing, and events, using insights to optimize future activity.
• Manage and develop a team of three, providing clear direction, prioritization, coaching, and opportunities for growth.
• Help establish scalable processes and ways of working across the PR + Partnerships function as the team and business continue to evolve.

Requirements

• 7–10 years of experience in PR, communications, brand partnerships, influencer/creator marketing, or related brand marketing roles.
• 2–4+ years of experience managing and developing team members.
• Experience developing and executing strategic PR, communications, and/or partnership programs.
• Experience managing external agencies and partners.
• Proven experience identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with creators, influencers, talent, or ambassador programs is strongly preferred.
• Experience with affiliate marketing, community-building, and/or experiential marketing is an asset.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn broad objectives into actionable plans.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams.
• Experience managing budgets and external partners.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and self-directed, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Skills

You are a strategic and creative thinker who can translate broad brand priorities into clear, actionable plans. You have strong instincts for identifying relevant opportunities across media, creators, partnerships, and culture. You are a natural relationship builder with the ability to manage and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You are an experienced people manager who can provide clear direction, coaching, and support to your team. You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with detailed planning and execution. You are highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. You can see the big picture while staying close enough to the details to ensure strong execution. You are analytical and use data and insights to evaluate performance and inform decision-making. You are collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working across a highly cross-functional organization.

Pay

Annual salary starting at $150,000.00 USD. The posted expected salary represents candidates developing new skills within the position. Increased salaries represent those who are more proficient or have achieved mastery and deep institutional knowledge over time. Your specific offer will rely on your unique experience and our team's current needs.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of premiums for health, dental, and Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Generous coverage for paramedical services, mental health support, and vision care.
• Access to Dialogue, an app for virtual coaching, therapy, and legal counseling.
• 3 Floater Days and 10 Sick Days annually.
• 4 extra paid days off attached to Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, and Labour Day.
• Paid Parental Leave plan that tops up salary to 80% for 24 weeks (nearly 6 months), available to birthing parents, partners, and parents via adoption or surrogacy.
• GRSP Match program (up to 3% match).
• $500 annual development budget.
• 50% discount on Knix products.