Senior PR Specialist

SSENSE (pronounced [es-uhns]) is a global technology platform operating at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. Headquartered in Montreal, it features a mix of established and emerging luxury brands across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and Everything Else. 

SSENSE has garnered critical acclaim as both an e-commerce engine and a producer of cultural content, generating an average of 100 million monthly page views. Approximately 80% of its audience is between the ages of 18 to 40. It is privately held and has achieved high double digit annual growth and profitability since its inception.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Brand Communications, the Senior PR Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and execution of impactful and integrated PR initiatives in key markets to increase brand awareness, enhance brand positioning, and maintain positive perception. The Senior PR Specialist works jointly across the Brand Communications team to identify and propose opportunities to help achieve our company strategy and live our purpose through creative and high quality PR programs.

Responsibilities

Brand PR - 85%

• Support with the development and execution of innovative and impactful PR plans to secure favorable press coverage across fashion, lifestyle, business, technology, and trade publications; including product placements & feature stories as part of baseline PR initiatives and assigned projects. 
• Work directly with the Digital Communications (social media) team to deliver fully integrated Brand Communications plans that challenge convention.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing and external stakeholders to develop an actionable and relevant pitch calendar for print and digital media to achieve results based on company KPIs and proactively pursuing alternative solutions when difficulties arise.
• Facilitate efficient, positive, and productive relationships with PR agencies in respective key markets to achieve regional PR targets by leveraging local insights and ensuring smooth execution.
• Participate in QA processes for external communications including but not limited to newsletters and editorial articles, proactively flagging sensitive issues and/or communications considerations to respective teams. 
• Draft newsworthy PR materials including press releases, media lists, PR alerts and pitches with minimal revisions from manager.
• Supervise gifting and celebrity/VIP influencer initiatives in close collaboration with the Digital Communications Manager.
• Research, identify, and recommend key business and trade PR opportunities aligned to company priorities to position SSENSE as a driving force in fashion and culture.
• Liaise with external partners and internal teams to coordinate media events and product launches. 
• Foster mutually beneficial and productive relationships with priority brands and collaborators' PR teams.
• Provide internal teams with PR support as needed.

Tracking & Reporting - 15%

• Establish reporting mechanisms to keep key stakeholders informed on all PR activities and media coverage. 
• Conduct PR and market analysis based on PR framework performance and industry trends to identify PR opportunities where SSENSE is under-indexed, and collaborate with respective PR agencies to optimize. 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications or Public Relations.
• 5+ years of PR experience working with international brands and a proven track record of securing quality coverage. Agency experience is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the global media landscape, with established contacts in both print and digital media. 
• Proficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and experience with Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign an asset.
• Expert knowledge of the global media landscape, both traditional and digital
• Proven experience in fashion and multi-brand retail; additional experience in luxury, e-commerce, corporate communications, and technology is preferred.
• Superb verbal and written communication skills in French and English, other languages are an asset.

Skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• A creative and strategic thinker who is genuine, self-motivated, collaborative, and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build relationships; maturity, discretion, discipline, and professionalism are essential.
• Demonstrates a keen sensibility and knowledge of fashion, retail, pop culture, technology, social media, and marketing trends.