Senior Manager, Communications & Media

ABOUT AVON

Avon is one of the most recognised beauty brands in the world. Founded in New York in 1886, Avon pioneered direct selling and built a model that has reached hundreds of millions of consumers. Today Avon operates in 36 markets through 600,000 Representatives and a growing digital business.

The company is now in the middle of significant transformation. Following its acquisition by Regent, Avon is reuniting its international and North American businesses, modernising its product and channel mix, and reinvigorating one of the best-known names in beauty.

THE ROLE

Avon is looking for a Senior Manager, Communications & Media to take ownership of how the business is represented in the media and how its leaders speak to the world. Based in New York and reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the role will own and lead the media relations strategy, securing high-quality earned media coverage, as well as executive communications and corporate announcements.

This is a global role responsible for media and executive communications: setting the global narrative and working with market teams and agencies to deliver coverage internationally.

This is a hands-on role for a well-connected PR and communications professional: someone with strong relationships across beauty, lifestyle and business media, who writes well and can get Avon and its leaders into the conversation. The role works closely with the Senior Manager, Social & Influencer Marketing so that earned, owned and partner channels tell one story.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Media Relations & PR

• Develop and deliver an earned-media plan that puts Avon’s brand, products, Representatives and leadership in front of the right audiences, elevating the brand.
• Develop and leverage relationships with editors, journalists, producers and podcast hosts across beauty, fashion, lifestyle and business press to secure coverage and drive relevance.
• Secure placements across print, online, broadcast and podcasts, and position Avon leaders as credible voices in the industry.
• Manage the PR agency and media budget, holding partners to clear results.

Executive & Corporate Communications

• Write speeches, keynotes, op-eds, LinkedIn content and talking points for the CEO and senior leadership.
• Lead internal and external announcements, including leadership changes and business milestones, with a consistent and credible message.
• Own media training, interview preparation and spokesperson management.

Reputation & Issues Management

• Lead issues and crisis communications, working closely with Legal and the leadership team.
• Monitor coverage and sentiment, report on share of voice and advise leadership on reputational risk.

Collaboration

• Work with Social & Influencer, Marketing, Omnichannel and market General Managers to keep messaging consistent across channels and markets.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED

Experience

• 6+ years in PR, corporate or executive communications, either in-house at a consumer or beauty brand and/or at a leading agency.
• A strong, current network across US beauty, lifestyle and business media.
• Proven record of high-profile coverage, including broadcast and podcast placements.
• Experience writing speeches and executive communications for a CEO or senior leaders.
• Experience of crisis and issues management.
• Experience in a business going through change, or knowledge of direct or social selling, is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent writer who can move between a CEO speech, a press release and an op-ed.
• Credible and persuasive with journalists and senior stakeholders.
• Sound judgement on brand reputation and what will land with the press.
• Moves quickly and is comfortable being both strategic and hands-on, owning strategy and execution.