Specialist, Store Communications (must be based in NYC area))

About us

Ann Taylor and LOFT empower women to find their authentic self-expression. Ann Taylor outfits the modern American woman so she's ready-for-work and ready-for-anything in timeless, tailored style. LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them.

Discover a culture that empowers employees with access to industry leaders and the tools you need to expand your skills and stretch your abilities. We'll meet you at every milestone with opportunities and benefits to make life better in and outside of work (not to mention your closet). Ready to join us?

About the role

The Specialist, Store Communications (Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet), will play a key role in coordinating and organizing store and field leadership communications for four retail brands. Key responsibilities include drafting and proofreading communications for multiple communication vehicles, managing project timelines, and generating reports to ensure deadlines are met. This individual will closely collaborate with partners in Credit & Loyalty, Network & Recruiting, Visual, Marketing, Talent & Strategy, Planning/ Allocation, Asset Protection, Operations and Human Resources to craft communication plans and strategies to best support the cascade of business-critical information to our field organization to support delivering profitable growth for the store channel.

The impact you can have

Primary accountabilities and desired outcomes:

• Clearly communicate promotional activity, company initiatives, visual execution, brand events, and workload to help store leaders and associates stay informed, balance key responsibilities, and protect their time with customers on the sales floor.
• Manage and coordinate the workflow and production of internal communications using available tools, systems, and partnerships.

• Collaborate with Store Communications team members to oversee all aspects of our Intranet platform. Manage site administration, strategically organize content, and ensure all materials remain current and relevant.
• Write and edit impactful communications for in-store programs/initiatives, promotions, visual execution, operational and HR tasks. Tailor communications by audience (Field Leadership, Store Manager, and Associate) to share key objectives, background context and actions needed.
• Proactively plan and distribute these communications in a timely manner to effectively prepare field teams to execute responsibilities, deliver business expectations and maintain excellent customer experience.
• Coordinate the development, review, and delivery of assets and copy to visually support communications, tools and resources such as weekly focuses, associate features, Intranet branding, program and seasonal toolkits, etc.
• Create and communicate resources supporting our associate’s understanding and execution of our Credit & Loyalty program (i.e. training materials, e-learnings, associate incentives, etc.).
• Participate in weekly business meetings and collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft communication strategies and business support materials for seamless in-store execution.
• Serve as a workflow advisor with a comprehensive perspective of each brand’s promotional/marketing strategy and upcoming CFT initiatives. Offering guidance on impact on store workload while proactively aligning communication plans.
• Manage workflow updates (i.e. freight, markdowns, pillar events, store set execution, etc.) to guarantee that field teams have access to the latest information to inform staffing plans and readiness for peak times.
• Support District Field Leaders with tools designed to boost engagement and recognize Associates, while fostering open two-way communication.
• Provide support for ad hoc company initiatives and projects, including product tests/ transfers, store feedback surveys, network & recruiting events, and asset protection & safety training
• Extended support for our client experience team’s projects (i.e. hosting town halls, gift with purchase execution, store event overviews, etc.)
• Communicate with stores through the issues management system and shared email inboxes to promptly address inquiries and share updates. Provide after-hour/on-call support if needed.
• Proactively organize and coordinate all meeting preparations, including creating presentation documents, developing agendas, taking notes, and scheduling.
• Deliver comprehensive logistical, project management, and event support for possible offsite meetings and conferences.

You'll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Business Management, Marketing and/or 2-3 years equivalent work experience
• Eagerness to learn about retail/fashion, customer service & experience; with a focus on retail/business communications
• Highly effective verbal and written communicator across different vehicles
• 2-3 years of project management experience
• Passion for writing for various audiences (internal, external) using various vehicles (print, online)
• Proficient on PC & MAC Operating Systems
• Organized & works well in a fast-paced environment (management of deadlines for multiple projects, exhibits a sense of urgency, proactive, resourceful, can-do attitude)
• Collaborative and works well in a team environment but can work independently
• Retail store background is a plus, but not required

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.*
• The wage range for this position is $65K to $70K. Successful candidates’ wage rates will be determined based on their individual qualifications for the position.*

• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

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Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.