Public Relations Manager

HODINKEE is a fast-growing media brand and e-commerce business that makes watches accessible to everyone. Over the past decade, founder Ben Clymer has grown HODINKEE into a thriving company of creatives. Our team now consists of writers, editors, designers, photographers, podcasters, engineers, merchandisers, and so many other key players who cement HODINKEE’s position as the most trusted source for watch news and products. We have a website. An app. A podcast. A magazine. A retail business. And more. HODINKEE’s goal is to bring readers and consumers the best in wristwatches in a way that’s approachable, authentic, honest and fun.

What You'll Do
The PR Manager is responsible for driving strategic communications efforts for HODINKEE across all types of relevant media outlets. Our ideal candidate will help grow and develop HODINKEE’s brand awareness and visibility in the market through thoughtful and concerted storytelling, positioning, and pitching to external press and media contacts. Must have experience managing PR for brands covering business, lifestyle, product, content, and thought leadership. Reporting to the Brand Marketing Director, with frequent exposure to Executive Leadership, candidate will devise a communication strategy uniquely for HODINKEE to drive audience growth and business success.

In this role, the Public Relations Manager will

• Secure premium coverage for new product launches, store openings, press-worthy editorial features, events, partnerships, and key business milestones
• Develop and execute communications strategies that will increase brand awareness, strengthen brand equity, drive media coverage, and amplify brand extensions with traditional and non-traditional press
• Responsible for crafting the external brand and business narrative, as part of the overall communications toolkit
• Establish a communications hierarchy across all key business pillars and extensions
• Craft pitch angles customized to garner coverage for targeted audiences
• Create and coordinate press materials for pitching purposes - with an approach for national, local, and global press
• Work across the business to identify and mine for story ideas and target relevant outlets and journalists to engage with on behalf of the brand
• Spearhead media relations across the wide landscape of media outlets, and develop relationships with key press contacts
• Generate impactful editorial coverage with top tier press, online and print, resulting in quality placements and exposure
• Monitor the industry and devise compelling pitch angles in response to greater category trends
• Keen understanding of influencer and affiliate marketing, and its role in the current editorial landscape
• Manage VIP and influencer product seeding
• Seek out and assess award submission opportunities with the goal of increasing awareness of HODINKEE’s business and corporate culture
• Increase profiles of key business spokespersons such as senior editors and executive leadership across media outlets, conferences, and industry events
• Prepare and compile interview briefings and talking points for spokespeople in the business and written responses for features and news stories
• Work with the Brand Marketing team to support VIP events, managing all PR and influencer extensions
• Collaborate on influencer relations in creative and impactful ways
• Track and report on monthly and quarterly coverage

Who You Are

• Proactive problem-solver and an energized self-starter.
• Process-driven and able to build and communicate strong frameworks
• Proven track record of securing quality consumer-facing press placements
• Collaborative team player; analytical and creative
• Passionate about PR & Communications
• Eager to grow a business thoughtfully and strategically
• Not timid, able to engage several stakeholders across an organization
• Organized and determined, good follow up and follow through  
• Positive outlook and calm disposition
• Aim to overdeliver

Skills & Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in Public Relations
• DTC, luxury, and lifestyle experience a plus
• Existing press and editor relationships a must
• Confident in pitching large business stories and exclusives
• Experience with VIP, event list management, and physical event coverage
• Excellent presentation skills including strong oral and verbal communication
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the U.S.
• Job is based in New York with opportunity to travel

HODINKEE is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.