External Communications Associate

Job Overview

The Associate, External Communications supports communications for Macy's and Macy's, Inc. and helps execute integrated communications and public relations strategies that bring the Macy's story to life nationwide. This role may focus on either operations or brand communications, partnering across the business to support media relations, storytelling, and reputation management.

In the operations-focused capacity, the Associate supports communications across stores, supply chain, and Culture and HR initiatives, including store-related programs, thought leadership opportunities, and stories that highlight the colleague experience. This role also contributes to crisis communications and efforts that protect and strengthen the company's reputation.

In the brand-focused capacity, the Associate supports brand campaigns, product launches, iconic events, and related storytelling that enhances visibility and engagement with customers and key audiences. Regardless of focus area, the Associate supports media relations efforts, manages inquiries, helps de-escalate issues, addresses public concerns, and contributes to protecting and strengthening the Macy's brand.

What You Will Do

• Strengthen the company's narrative by showcasing Macy's as a leading brand and retail innovator.
• Develop and execute integrated short- and long-term communications strategies for key initiatives, including partnerships, collaborations, product launches, market expansions, consumer campaigns, and event activations that generate positive media coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with traditional and emerging media contacts, with a focus on national outlets and priority markets across the country.
• Create, edit, and distribute press materials, media advisories, key messages, and other media assets, while proactively pitching stories and securing earned media opportunities.
• Cultivate productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including company executives, brand and product leaders, civic partners, and nonprofit organizations.
• Provide media training and strategic counsel to spokespeople, helping executives strengthen thought leadership and represent Macy's effectively at the national and local levels.
• Navigate complex, fast-moving, and unexpected communications challenges while managing media interactions with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Partner with the External Communications team to measure, analyze, and report media results through project-based and quarterly recaps.
• Review internal and external communications materials to ensure consistency with Macy's brand, messaging, and business objectives.
• Oversee the management of multimedia assets, including media websites, press materials, photography, and related resources.
• Support budget planning, tracking, and administration for the External Communications team.
• Lead and support crisis communications efforts, including proactive issue identification, risk mitigation, and response planning.
• Provide on-site support for key enterprise events, including the Macy's Flower Show, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday, and other major initiatives; this requires availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• 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 various events, 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: Experience with Microsoft Office suite, media monitoring programs (Muckrack, Cision, Meltwater, Critical Mention, etc.), Canva, SquareSpace 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
• Able to travel occasionally for local and national events and media opportunities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
• 401(k) match
• Paid time off and eight paid holidays
• Continuous learning and leadership development opportunities
• Colleague Resource Groups and volunteer opportunities
• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement