Director, Brand Communications

Job Summary

The Director, Brand Communications is responsible for leading and executing our global public relations and social media strategies, elevating our brand position, and building awareness with our target fan (consumer). This role requires a deep understanding of media relations, storytelling, crisis communication, and reputation management. This role requires exceptional communication with a track record of developing and implementing successful PR campaigns and initiatives. The Director, Brand Communication is oversees the creation and implementation of global social media strategies and campaigns, growing brand presence, engaging with our online community, and driving measurable results. This is a high-impact role that requires a deep understanding of media and digital trends, content creation, data analytics, and team leadership. There is a requirement to be creative, data-driven, and passionate about building and maintaining a strong public relations and social media presence that aligns with the company’s values and goals.

Essential Functions

Strategic Brand Communication & Public Relations:

• Leads the creation and execution of global brand communication strategy, with a focus on PR, experiences/events and social media aligned with the company’s value and objectives. 
• Directs and leads external agency partners, while cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key media contacts across print, digital, broadcast, and industry-specific outlets. 
• Oversees the creation of compelling press materials, including press releases, media kits, op-eds, blog posts, and social media content.
• Leads crisis communication efforts, managing the company’s response to challenging situations while protecting its reputation.

Social Media Strategy & Community Engagement:

• Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive social media strategy that expands brand visibility, fosters community engagement, and aligns with business goals and brand values.
• Stays ahead of social media trends and adapt strategies to capitalize on emerging platforms and technologies.
• Actively monitors and manages social media conversations, responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and brand-appropriate manner.
• Oversees the creation of engaging, shareable, brand-aligned and channel-optimized content across multiple social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Tracks, analyzes, and reports on PR campaign performance, including media coverage, sentiment analysis, and audience engagement metrics. Continuously optimize PR strategies based on insights and feedback.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports on social media metrics, including engagement, reach, follower growth, and conversions.
• Provides regular performance reports and insights to senior leadership, demonstrating the impact of public relations, experiences/event, influencers and social media efforts on brand objectives.

Team Leadership & Cross Functional Collaboration:

• Leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing brand communications team, providing guidance and support to ensure successful campaign execution.
• Collaborates with the marketing team to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints. 

Event & Influencer Engagement:

• Manages or supports key company events such as product launches, conferences, trade shows, and community engagements to generate media coverage. Coordinates with vendors, venues, and other partners to ensure successful event execution.
• Cultivates relationships with influencers, brand advocates, and key community members to foster positive engagement and loyalty. 

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree, MBA or advanced degree is a plus 
• Either (8) years in brand communications, public relations, social media, marketing, or a related field.
• Five (5) years in a leadership position.

Any equivalent combination of experience and education which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into impactful communication strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in media relations, content creation, and storytelling.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor a diverse team of professionals.
• Strong project management skills, with experience handling multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Expertise in crisis communications and brand reputation management.
• Proficiency in digital marketing and social media trends.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Creative, innovative, and solution oriented. 
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex situations with a calm and strategic approach.

Travel Required: Yes, up to 20% of work time will involve travel.

Base Salary: $165,000 - $182,000 yearly 
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, knowledge and skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal, and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  

At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

KEEN Footwear is an equal opportunity employer.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.