Manager Public Relations, Fashion & Beauty and Merchandising Strategy (Hybrid - Seattle, WA)

About the position

This role is on-site in Seattle, WA at the Nordstrom headquarters. Candidates must be in Seattle, WA or be able to relocate. (Relocation will be provided.) About the Role: Nordstrom is seeking a dynamic and experienced PR Manager to lead high-level merchandising category support across several key categories including but not limited to beauty, women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, and more. This role will also involve driving a strategy around organic influencer engagement to support all Brand PR initiatives, and partner with the Nordstrom Media Network team on brand events. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public relations, excellent communication skills, a passion for the fashion and retail industry, and a strong understanding of the digital and social media landscape.

Responsibilities
• Partner with the PR Director and team to develop and implement integrated PR strategies that drive awareness and engagement across Nordstrom’s merchandise categories.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with fashion, retail, lifestyle media, influencers, and key industry stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong fluency on the evolving media and social media landscape.
• Possess a strong sense of relevancy for industry trends, pop culture, and current events.
• Serve as liaison between Nordstrom and external brand partners to align on messaging, best practices, and media opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with divisional marketing and merchants to align messaging and strategic priorities and ensure consistency.
• Write press releases and pitches, communication strategies, messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Effectively respond to media inquiries, exercising independent decision making and strong judgement.
• Pitch and secure press coverage across print, digital and broadcast media landscapes.
• Research and route coverage, as appropriate.
• Drive thought leadership, leveraging merchant leaders and fashion office spokespeople for media opportunities.
• Ideate and develop innovative and creative event concepts that help amplify press opportunities to highlight key brand launches.
• Develop a cohesive organic influencer strategy to support the broader brand PR team, serve as a trusted partner to influencer and social media marketing teams.
• Support, coaching and development of two direct reports to ensure effective work and progress against growth goals.
• Manage budgets to drive efficiencies and continuous improvement within the organization.

Requirements
• 8-10 years of experience in PR, public relations, or related field.
• Fashion/beauty/retail/lifestyle/consumer PR experience preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and executing integrated PR strategies and securing high-impact media coverage.
• Strong media relations experience and a deep understanding of the media landscape with established contacts across fashion, retail, and consumer media.
• Deep understanding of the social media and influencer landscape, including organic influencer strategy development and relationships with key influencers.
• Experience ideating and executing creative campaigns and events that drive brand awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experiencing working closely with marketing, merchandising, and external brand partners.
• Familiarity with Nordstrom’s brand and customer centric philosophy.

Nice-to-haves
• Fashion/beauty/retail/lifestyle/consumer PR experience preferred.

Benefits
• Medical/Vision
• Dental
• Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources