Director, Media Relations (Columbus, OH or NYC)
Location: Columbus, OH, US
Location Type: Hybrid
Job ID: 04LN9
Job Area: Marketing
Employment type: Full-time
Description
At Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture focused on delivering exceptional fragrances and experiences to our customers. We focus on recruiting, retaining, and advancing diverse talent where our associate population is as diverse as the communities we serve, live and work. In addition, we work to improve our communities and our planet in a way that will make us proud for years to come because we believe the world is a brighter, happier place when everyone has access to the things that make them happy.
The Director Media Relations is responsible for shaping and driving our media engagement strategy, serving as a spokesperson, and maintaining strong relationships across corporate, business, financial, consumer, lifestyle, and beauty media. This person will counsel and guide senior executives, ensuring leadership is prepared to communicate effectively in all scenarios, including high-stakes situations and crisis communications. This role balances brand storytelling with corporate communications managing both proactive and reactive press engagement.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive media relations strategy, ensuring the company’s messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with business objectives.
- Story mine and identify compelling narratives to elevate the brand and executives in the media.
- Counsel and media train company leadership, preparing executives for interviews, speaking engagements, and media interactions.
- Lead a small team, coaching and providing mentorship for media relations professionals driving excellence in execution.
- Collaborate with Marketing teams and agencies to develop PR strategies that enhance campaigns and improve media impact.
- Write and edit high-quality communications materials, including key messages, press releases, media pitches, and executive talking points.
- Maintain and lead all aspects of the company’s editorial calendar, ensuring alignment with key company initiatives and industry moments.
- Stay informed and identify emerging trends, industry news, and cultural moments to elevate media strategy and drive relevance.
- Manage crisis communications efforts, ensuring the company is well-prepared to navigate media challenges and protect brand reputation.
- 10+ years experience in media relations, corporate communications, or public relations, preferably in a global retail, beauty, or consumer-facing companies.
- Proven, current relationships with top-tier media outlets across sectors.
- Strong storytelling ability, with experience uncovering and shaping narratives that resonate.
- Experience in confidently counseling and media training executives.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing crisis communications and handling sensitive media inquiries with discretion.
- Strong leadership and people management experience, with a track record of developing and mentoring teams.
- Highly collaborative, with the ability to work cross-functionally and partner with marketing, agency teams, and internal customers.
- Proficient in thriving in a dynamic, high-visibility space with shifting priorities.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Core Competencies
- Lead with Curiosity & Humility
- Build High Performing Teams for Today & Tomorrow
- Influence & Inspire with Vision & Purpose
- Observe, Engage & Connect
- Strive to Achieve Operational Excellence
- Deliver Business Results
Benefits
Bath & Body Works associates are the heart of our business. That’s why we’re proud to offer benefits that empower you to Dream Bigger & Live Brighter. Benefits for eligible associates include:
- Robust medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.
- 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase program with discount
- No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Opportunity for paid time off and paid parental leave. Plus, access to family and lifestyle programs including an inclusive family building benefit, childcare discounts, and home, auto and pet insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education programs
- 40% merchandise discount and gratis that encourages you to come back to your senses!
Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: Los Angeles Fair Chance In Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning nondiscriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, associate activities and general treatment during employment. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.
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