Job Description
Must live in commutable distance to Times Square office 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. 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. Key Responsibilities 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, Business Management 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, 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,