Director, Fashion Communications

Karla Otto is a globally recognized public relations and communications agency, founded in 1982, with offices in 15 key cities across the UK, EMEA, US, and Asia. With a strong presence in fashion capitals such as Milan, London, Paris, and New York, the agency has built a reputation for representing some of the most prestigious names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

In 2017, Karla Otto merged with K2 to form THE INDEPENDENTS, a global marketing, design, and communications group. This collective brings together industry leaders who share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and thoughtful collaboration across the luxury and lifestyle sectors.

At Karla Otto, our team of expert strategists, designers, planners and publicists are dedicated to delivering exceptional results and establishing long-term partnerships with our clients. We are passionate about the world of fashion, beauty, and luxury, with everyone bringing their unique expertise and insights to the table. We are driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving industry landscape.

To help support our future growth as an agency, we are looking for a Director, Fashion Communications to join our team based in our New York office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative public relations strategies to maximize brand visibility in the luxury fashion sector. 

• Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, aligning PR activities with their vision and goals. 

• Lead and coordinate PR campaigns, including press releases, media relations, and digital PR initiatives. 

• Guide and mentor a dynamic team, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous professional growth. 

• Manage and oversee high-profile fashion events, ensuring seamless execution and brand alignment. 

• Align internal communications with external PR strategies to ensure a cohesive brand message. 

• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt PR strategies. 

• Foster relationships with influencers, media, and other key stakeholders in the luxury fashion industry. 

• Oversee budget management for PR campaigns and events, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. 

• Represent the brand at industry events, conferences, and meetings, enhancing the brand's network and reputation. 

• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities, expanding the company’s client portfolio in the luxury fashion sector. 

• Lead the development and presentation of new business pitches, effectively communicating the brand's value proposition to prospective clients.

• Engage in department and agency initiatives as needed 

• Possess good understanding of all internal communications strategies, tools and systems to ensure alignment with overall brand messaging.

• Able to drive both internal and external communications when needed 

• Acquire knowledge and skills to work with Fashion GPS within all relevant areas (sample trafficking, events, shows, database) 

Key Attributes

• Extensive and proven experience in a Senior PR role within a luxury fashion environment 

• Collaborative team player with the ability to work autonomously to deliver to brief and on-time 

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of and ongoing interest in the fashion industry 

• Positive, proactive, problem-solving approach with strong attention to detail 

• A responsive and understanding approach to client management 

• Creative and strategic thinker 

• Able to identify communication opportunities through a pro-active approach 

• Proven experience of working in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work to tight deadlines. Excellent prioritizing and time management 

• Discreet, professional, and articulate, with excellent communication skills 

• Extremely well-organized, methodical, and efficient 

• Strong presentation & superb writing skills 

• Having a visionary and opportunistic approach to new business development 

• Strong computer skills including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, Fashion GPS 

What We Offer

• Salary: $100k-$120k

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

• 401K Employer Match program

• Commuter Benefits

• Paid Time Off including Vacation Days, Personal Days, Sick Days, and additional Comp Days

• Company-wide closure last week of the year

• 10 Federal Holidays Observed

At Karla Otto, we are always looking for personalities with positive charisma who are enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a keen sense of aesthetics.

Karla Otto embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Karla Otto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our team!