Communications Director

Director, Communications - North America Nike Direct

NIKE INC

The Communications function establishes and strengthens authentic connections with audiences around the globe through the lens of innovation, sport and brand purpose. We are focused on premium and innovative brand stories, managing corporate reputation, and brand equity as well as engaging, inspiring and motivating communities. Our work encompasses written, spoken, visual and digital communication. We focus on information and connection and how it is created, led, distributed and consumed to accelerate the growth and influence of our brand and NIKE, Inc. We are looking for individuals with the ability to expand the boundaries of communication and who can define the future. These individuals must be able to connect, influence and deliver new levels of creative and strategic thinking. We are looking for an experienced Communications Director to engage their passion and operate in a highly creative environment which focuses on our Direct business while partnering across the Brand, Business and Corporate. This role is based at our Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, and seeks individuals who can expand the boundaries of retail communications and define the future through their ability to connect, influence and deliver new levels of creative and strategic thinking. The North America Direct Communications Director will play a key role in developing long-term communications strategies to engage and influence media and other audiences across Nike’s largest Geographical region. The role works closely with senior Communications leadership, the North America Media relations team (based NYC) and category marketing teams to drive creation and implementation of a communications strategy that engages, inspires and informs sport audiences across the geography. You will develop strategic plans and initiatives that identify and align with business and brand goals, outline clear messaging and audiences, while creatively engaging the appropriate levers to activate innovation storytelling. This will include efficient, timely communication across multiple channels and functions internally. You will chip in regularly to management discussions and planning as an integral member of the North America Communications team. The role requires an individual capable of cultivating relationships with multiple business partners, across multiple functions, while delivering appropriate guidance to senior leadership. The successful candidate needs to deliver a forward looking approach to our communications strategies, evolving as the function progresses and proactively adapting to the ever-changing environment. They need to be well versed in message development, with excellent writing skills. Equally the candidate requires a strong sensibility towards reputation and issues management. The role requires someone with a passion for sport, a knowledge of sneaker culture, the ability to deliver new ways of thinking, and the ability to deepen and evolve Nike's relationship with the key internal and external stakeholders. Strong Direct acumen and a desire to stay current on Direct trends is also critical to the success of this role. Strategy + Ideation This work will include exploring new communications strategies, content development, experiential events, creating long-format storytelling and social media concepts and ideas, measurement and analysis. Develops store communications platforms and processes such as Athlete Connect, Zipline, and Access for All. You will define a clear direction for Nike’s Direct business in North America each fiscal year as well as seasonal plans, working with the media relations team, territories, and brand teams. Support the Direct stores through issue management, including cascading messages to the store Athletes Build seasonal plans and story maps to support communications and brand objectives that focus on sport, innovation, sustainability and design. Play a lead role in planning the Direct Leadership Summit Provides Consumer Services long term communications support Product Expertise Create innovative launch strategies for product launches in our Direct doors Manage seasonal product buys for sport categories —long-lead and in-season—by partnering with global and NA brand teams to understand and elevate seasonal priorities and innovation stories. Lead media strategy and projects

Qualifications

8 years + professional experience in a high-profile communications role, either in agency or in-house

Bachelor's degree (minimum) in journalism, English, communications, business, or related field preferred.

Experience initiating and driving the ideation process contributing meaningful, innovative strategies to the business at concept stage.

High aptitude for creative thinking balanced against bottom line business needs.

Strong project management experience with events and initiatives across multiple partner relationships.

Proven ability to work collaboratively with others and develop consensus within diverse groups and with people at all levels within the organization.

Proven ability to lead projects and initiatives with little direction from leadership.

Ability to understand challenges or underlying concerns, share ideas, and develop effective responses, or elevate to higher management.

Ability to work with confidential materials across a wide spectrum of constituencies and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Proven ability to communicate plans across a complex matrix on a corporate, regional and functional basis.

Proven cultural acuity and ability to work within differing cultural practices and customs.

Strong writing skills combined with a sense of urgency, flexibility and attention to detail.

Deep understanding of both evolving consumer communications environment and digital landscape.

Knowledge of media, digital media, social media and influencer landscape across North America.

Knowledge of footwear or apparel industry.

Experience working on high profile consumer brands is preferred.

Strong English written and spoken required.

Passion for sport is essential.

Ability to Travel