Ralph Lauren Public Affairs Associate

About the Company

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

About the Role

The Ralph Lauren Public Affairs team is looking for a highly organized, detail‑oriented and entrepreneurial candidate who can help maintain and strengthen Ralph Lauren's reputation as well as advance public policy and advocacy priorities. The role requires an understanding of the political, social and economic landscape in key markets where Ralph Lauren operates and the ability to quickly identify and react to emerging issues. You will report to the Director of Public Affairs and interface with teams across the business, including Sustainability, Citizenship, Sourcing, Legal, Corporate Communications and the Local Commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze and report on global and regional policy trends, legislation and developments that impact Ralph Lauren's business operations or reputation.
• Support cross‑functional issues management and develop risk mitigation strategies to maintain and strengthen the Company's reputation.
• Draft communications and engage with a range of stakeholders to advance Ralph Lauren's public policy and advocacy priorities.
• Build and strengthen Ralph Lauren's engagement with its trade associations and memberships.
• Develop briefings for executive engagements with government officials.
• Coordinate with key business partners—including Global Corporate Communications, Sourcing, Sustainability, Global Citizenship, Legal and the Local Commercial teams—to develop policy positions and align on advocacy needs.
• Develop public affairs strategies to support major Company or Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation announcements.
• Review Company communications from a policy, geopolitical and reputational lens.
• Update KPIs as part of quarterly reporting to measure effectiveness of engagement.
• Keep workstreams on track and share updates on a weekly basis.

Qualifications

• 2‑3 years of public affairs or communications experience, ideally in an agency, in‑house, or political environment.
• Bachelor's Degree in communications, political science, international relations, business or a comparable field (preferred).
• Ability to comprehend and effectively synthesize complex information, especially related to public policy and issues in the news.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with others—including senior management, business partners and external partners.
• Excellent time and project management skills; highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.