Communications Manager III (New York)

Communications Manager IIIWork LocationUS RemoteHybrid option available for candidates located in NYC or LADurationEstimated Start Date: ASAPEstimated End Date: 12 months with potential extensionAbout the RoleThe Communications Manager III will support the communications team in advancing consumer and product priorities through strategic media relations, proactive storytelling, and earned media programs.This role is heavily focused on pitching, securing placements, and building relationships across consumer and technology media, next-generation outlets, social publishers, and creator networks.ResponsibilitiesAssist the communications teams in advancing consumer and product-based priorities.Spearhead media relations for various product debuts, securing placement across tech and consumer publications, next-generation media, and within social publisher and creator networks.Uncover and execute proactive storytelling initiatives that extend past launch cycles, focusing on landing coverage for Gen-Z trends, creator-led case studies, cultural music milestones, and trending content.Collaborate across product, marketing, and partnership divisions to develop press and social publisher strategies for go-to-market initiatives.Cultivate and expand professional ties with reporters in the consumer, tech, and beat sectors, alongside emerging media platforms that target key demographics.Build and maintain press, creator, and social publisher relationships.Pitch, place, and secure earned coverage for product announcements and programs.Develop pitch angles, press narratives, and outreach plans tied to product features and campaigns.Track coverage and results and iterate quickly based on what lands.Minimum QualificationsAt least 4 years of professional experience in public relations, journalism, social media, or a parallel industry.Must possess established relationships with media professionals covering consumer tech, youth culture, and social trends.Proven capability in generating media interest and managing campaigns for consumer-facing products.Demonstrated success in creative narrative development for next-generation outlets and various social platforms.History of effective cross-functional team collaboration.Exceptional writing skills applicable to press releases, blog entries, brand narratives, and social media content.Highly efficient, analytical approach to problem-solving.Required Experience4+ years of relevant experience.Must-Have SkillsEstablished media relationships (press + creators/social publishers) with proof of outcomes.Media pitching and story placement experience, including securing coverage for announcements.Product communications and launch experience, with the ability to turn product features and updates into press-worthy narratives.Nice-to-Have SkillsPR agency background (consumer/lifestyle) with fast-paced pitching experience.Trend and storytelling instincts with the ability to frame features into culture and trend stories.Hybrid market familiarity (NYC/LA) and an existing local media network.Preferred BackgroundCandidates from PR agencies are preferred, particularly those from lifestyle and consumer-focused agencies.Open to in-house communications professionals and former journalists or writers with strong press relationships.Experience working with consumer and lifestyle media outlets is highly desirable.Team OverviewThe team drives product communications and proactive communications programming.The role serves as a dedicated media relations specialist focused on outreach and landing coverage rather than broad communications generalist work.Success in this role is measured by the ability to secure quality earned media coverage through strong media relationships and effective pitching.Success MetricsLanding press coverage for announcements and programs.Demonstrating strong placement quality and outlet relevance.Delivering coverage quickly and consistently.Bringing strong relationships and proven earned media results.Potential ChallengesMaintaining a high standard of media relationships and demonstrating proven placements.Moving quickly in a fast-paced environment with rapid turnaround times.Creating compelling angles that stand out in a crowded news cycle.Ideal Candidate ProfileEnjoys active outreach and pitching.Brings an established media network and can provide examples of placements.Has a strong understanding of consumer culture, trends, and storytelling.Immediate DisqualifiersNo demonstrated press relationships.Unable to provide examples of coverage secured and the role played in obtaining it.Communications experience without ownership of pitching or earned media outcomes.Applicant Notices & DisclaimersFor information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here