Current employees, please apply in Workday.

At Merrell, we exist to give every person what they need to discover the simple power of being outside—regardless of shape, size, race, ability, or experience level. For over four decades, we’ve crafted quality footwear with our eyes fixed on comfort, design, durability, and whatever is waiting for us just outside our front doors.

The PR Manager drives and leads the development and execution of public relations programs that support growth and revenue goals across channels.

Primary Duties:

• Develop strong relationships on behalf of the brand(s) with key partners (e.g. publications, bloggers, etc.) to establish and maintain relationships with media firms (e.g. publisher side) as well as the edit side (e.g. Highsnobiety, Runner’s World, etc.) to gain favorable opportunities for the brand.

• Manage and execute the seasonal and monthly PR strategy and story focus with PR team, clearly communicating importance level of each story. These activities include seasonal press day executions, preparing relevant materials, key messaging for the season and brand activation calendar

• Develop and lead PR strategies that tap into cultural trends, driving impactful brand moments that resonate with both media and consumers.

• Lead the ideation, strategy development, and execution of PR-driven brand and event activations, with a focus on maximizing media coverage, driving brand visibility, and aligning with overall marketing objectives to ensure measurable impact

• Manage and cultivate strategic relationships with external agency partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment with brand objectives, and the successful execution of high-impact campaigns, drumbeat of coverage and award wins

• Work with brand team and external agency partners to ensure stories are told (and content is developed to support) across channels, from digital/social, to site/email and PR 

• Manage cause/community-related programs/partnerships (where applicable), including strategic plan and tactical executions across channels 

• Work with brand team and agencies to ensure stories are told (and content is developed to support) across channels, from digital/social, to site/email and PR

• Ensures creation of best-in-class, award-winning PR and events assets that will help us drive the optimal mix of paid-owned-earned media

• Proactively monitor for potential risks, anticipate challenges, and develop comprehensive risk management strategies to swiftly address and mitigate any negative PR situations

• Proactively identify and highlight key marketing successes, ensuring timely communication of wins to internal teams to drive recognition and alignment

• Manage the day-to-day PR and events budget, including monthly updates with brand marketing leadership, finance and marketing

• Performs duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, or equivalent work experience – Be Great: Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth through continuous learning and excellence in your field.

• 5-7 years of Public Relations and/or Marketing experience – Win Together: Leverage years of expertise to collaborate and contribute to the success of the team and company.

• Previous agency experience required – Make Amazing: Use your agency experience to bring innovative, standout ideas to life that make a lasting impact.

• Previous supervisory skills preferred – Win Together: Lead with a team-first mentality, empowering others to succeed and grow within a collaborative environment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment – Act Now: Keep projects on track with precision and efficiency, even as demands shift and timelines evolve.

• Consumer product experience required, experience in the footwear and/or performance and lifestyle industry preferred – Deliver Results: Bring industry-specific knowledge and expertise to drive impactful, results-oriented strategies.

• Strong personal connections with brand mission and understanding of target consumer behaviors – Be Great: Deeply connect with the brand’s mission, embody its values, and use that understanding to create relevant, customer-centric strategies.

• Strong project management skills, time management skills, and attention to detail while simultaneously managing multiple projects – Act Now: Manage competing priorities with precision, ensuring the execution of initiatives that align with the company’s goals.

• Demonstrated comfort level with public speaking and presenting – Make Amazing: Confidently share ideas, pitch new strategies, and represent the brand with passion and clarity.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally – Win Together: Build strong, lasting relationships across teams and with external partners to foster collaboration and mutual success.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Hybrid work schedule. Occasional travel for events, etc.

Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.