Assistant Manager, Brand Communications

About The Position:

The Assistant Manager, Brand Communications will work hand in hand with the Brand Communications team to provide support in the day to day duties of the PR Department including creating press lists, managing press coverage tracking, writing pitches and press releases, building relationships with key media contacts, managing media appearances, and working across print, digital, social media, and video platforms to move initiatives. This position will provide the opportunity to develop the necessary skills in the media communications space. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, creative, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.

About The Team:

The Entertainment and Lifestyle Communications Teams oversee the communications and public relations for DDM brands ranging from PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly to Better Homes & Gardens, InStyle, FOOD & WINE, Travel + Leisure, REAL SIMPLE, Byrdie, PARENTS, and more.

About The Positions Contributions:

70%

• Manage tracking of press coverage across all brands in tandem with the individual brand leads and contribute to the creation of media reports

• Research and develop new media lists for specific content pitches and maintain and update existing media contact lists on an ongoing basis

• Assist with development and distribution communications materials, inclusive of writing and copy editing

• Manage communications efforts for select brand initiatives, inclusive of drafting press pitches and announcements, as well as securing media appearances

• Respond to media inquiries in a timely manner in collaboration with brand leads, inclusive of providing editorial copy, images and assets and assists with coordinating interviews for press.

• Monitor consumer and trade media across broadcast, digital, print and social to keep the team updated on relevant reporting about our industry and what’s happening within the brands’ competitive landscapes. 

• Manage awards submission calendars and submissions tracking.

15%

• Manage media appearances, which may include calling in products, securing video, visuals, doing research, creating itineraries, helping to draft talking points, booking transportation and other logistical elements. 

• Support PR at events, including maintaining guest lists, handling press check-in, distributing media alerts, and developing recaps

15%

• Participate in brainstorms and ideation for PR strategy and tactics. 

The Role’s Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

Experience:

• 1 - 3 years experience in public relations, communications, marketing, social media or related areas.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities:

• Superior written and verbal communication skills and excellent follow-through.

• Knowledge of lifestyle media in areas of lifestyle, celebrity, pop culture, style, home, decor, food, beauty, entertaining, and wellness.

• Highly organized with an ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities, working under tight deadlines. 

• Takes initiative 

• Shares feedback, offers ideas, helps develop solutions to PR communications materials, issues, and other comms-related 

• Ability to create press material and interact effectively with internal and external contacts.

• Knowledge and comfort using social media platforms to generate brand awareness.

• Understanding of key databases such as Muckrack, Cision, Burrelles, etc. and working knowledge of Google docs, sheets, etc.

• Experience pitching stories to the media.

• Ability to research, assess and access resources.

• Comfortable working both independently of others and as a team player

• Self-motivated, solution-oriented, and creative with an ability to think outside the box

% Travel Required (Approximate): 10%