rue21 Looking for Director of Corporate Communications at Warrendale, PA Full Time

Company Description

At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we’re different, we’re unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer the Director of Corporate Communications serves the business by overseeing company-wide communications including the development and implementation of a strategic communications strategy as well as partnering in related marketing communications. The Director of Corporate Communications will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure consistency throughout the company with a high-level focus on creating succinct and engaging messaging.

Responsibilities

What will a day in the life look like as our Director of Corporate Communications? Below is just a small sample of the contributions this key role will do to support our business.

• Develop and implement holistic corporate communications strategy across multiple touchpoints, including company emails and newsletters, external press releases, LinkedIn account management, and other channels as relevant.
• Partner with the Senior Leadership Team on the presentation of information for both internal and external purposes.
• Contribute to key communication channels including periodic internal newsletters, corporate social media accounts such as LinkedIn, and associate-facing portals.
• Support the development and maintenance of corporate information, press releases, and other strategic communication materials hosted on company-owned websites.
• Serve as Point of Contact (POC) for incoming business-related media inquiries, support the coordination of media-related Senior Leadership Team appearances, and creation of related materials and talking points.
• Manage the communication of critical events by developing a standard of best-in-class, high-quality best practices including but not limited to confidentiality of incident responses and situation monitoring.
• Develop and disseminate media reporting with consistency to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Create and manage a Corporate Communication budget.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience across Public Relations, Corporate Media Relations and Communications is required, with experience working in retail industry strongly preferred. Familiarity with Investor Relations is also a plus.
• Experience navigating challenges that may arise where an outside media agency is needed to support the business with a sense of urgency and confidentiality.
• Excellent analytical skills: highly proficient in rapid situational assessments, drawing conclusions, and presenting insights for action.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present in meetings.
• Strong project and time management skills and the ability to organize and assist team members in the prioritization of workload.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, highly collaborative, and uncompromising in delivering a best-in-class experience.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively influence and manage high-performing teams and interact with individuals at all levels throughout the company.

Competencies

Optimistic – Influences others to be excited about and committed to furthering the company’s objectives. Embraces challenges with a “can-do” mindset that drives effective solutions.

Results Driven – Maximizes the use of resources to consistently deliver results against sales goals and company objectives. Accepts and uses feedback to improve performance.

Solution Oriented – Recognizes situations that warrant initiative and moves forward without hesitation to resolve issues, problems, or situations. Develops fresh ideas that provide solutions to operational challenges.

Collaborative – Builds constructive working relationships across their Team and with cross-functional partners at the Support Center, the Distribution Center, and the Field. Encourages team unity through sharing of information or expertise, working together to solve problems.

Strong Communicator – Earns others’ trust and respect through consistent clear communication, transparency, and professionalism in all interactions.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you!

Competitive compensation and bonus plan

Comprehensive Benefit Package

• Generous PTO offerings
• 401K Retirement Plan with company match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Company sponsored Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account/Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support programs for associates and families

Employee Discounts

• 40% off full price merchandise in stores and on-line
• Perks at Work – Savings program on brands, travel, dining, and more

This summary of benefits is reflective of a range of those available and may not apply to all employees.