Account Director, Fashion Communication

Karla Otto is a renowned public relations and communications agency with offices across 13 locations in the UK, EMEA, US, and Asia. Established in 1982 by Karla Otto herself, the agency has since grown to become a global leader in luxury brand PR and events.

With offices in major fashion capitals such as Milan, London, New York, and Los Angeles, Karla Otto represents some of the most prestigious fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands in the industry.

In 2017, Karla Otto and K2 merged to form The Independents, a global group of agencies for industry leaders across luxury and lifestyle. Currently, the group comprises of Bureau Betak & Bureau Future, Karla Otto, K2, The Qode, Lefty, Prodject, and CTZAR.

Our network of expert strategists, designers, planners, and publicists work tirelessly to deliver exceptional results and establish 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 an Account Director, Fashion Comms to join our team based in our New York office.

The Account Director will play an essential role in supporting the development and execution of generating maximum brand exposure through creative product placement, profile features and launches. The Account Director must have a genuine passion for developing brands for your assigned market, using true initiative in order to achieve exceptional results. Impeccable client liaison skills and an established network of key contacts (brands and press) are essential.

Reporting to the Director, the Account Director’s responsibilities would include increasing awareness for all brands represented by the team. In this role the Account Director will promote the different clients in all activities, campaigns, special projects, shows and events to the media, general public and external audiences and to develop and maintain relationships with key journalists and media within your assigned and designated markets, acting as an ambassador for Karla Otto.

Role Responsibilities:

• Develop forward planning document and strategy for the season ahead for the collection and product launches, product focuses and events and implement accordingly
• Draft, edit and disseminate press releases and other relevant PR materials
• Build on existing exceptional media relationships within the industry while also creating new contacts (long-lead and short-lead, mainstream media, trade and blogs with Fashion, Lifestyle, Design, Art). Act as an ambassador amongst all key target media at appropriate levels
• Pitch, secure and accomplish/manage fashion news stories / brand and design features in all key media
• Suggest ideas/initiatives/ strategies to drive brand awareness
• Develop media/ influencer seeding programme where appropriate which will then be executed by Account Manager
• Keep an overview of collections and sample loan activities. Oversee and manage Account manager and Account assistant. Assist with advise and support when necessary
• Manage show seating and all logistics around the shows during fashion week (secure and arrange interviews, pre-views, resees etc.)
• Ensure positive communication with clients and international Karla Otto offices
• Participate in client meetings and calls

Additional:

• 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:

• Graduate (or equivalent) with proven experience in a Senior PR role within a luxury fashion environment
• Strong managerial and organizational skills
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of and ongoing interest in the (luxury) fashion industry
• 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…

• 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!

KARLA OTTO