Senior Manager, Media Relations

Description

The Estée Lauder Companies is seeking a strategic, media-savvy, and beauty industry–fluent communications professional to elevate the company’s global media relations efforts. As a key member of the Global Communications team, this role will drive proactive corporate storytelling and develop strategic media engagement plans that align with ELC’s business priorities, core narratives, and leadership in the global beauty industry. 

This role will be responsible for identifying and securing earned media opportunities across top-tier business, trade, and lifestyle outlets. The ideal candidate brings a robust network of media contacts, strong storytelling instincts, deep knowledge of the beauty and wellness landscape, and a passion for shaping narratives that enhance ELC’s reputation, thought leadership, and innovation. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global media relations strategy aligned with ELC’s corporate priorities, brand equity, and innovation pipeline. 
• Proactively identify and secure high-impact media opportunities to amplify key initiatives including brand leadership, executive visibility, sustainability, DEI, and product innovation. 
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media in the beauty, business, financial, lifestyle, and trade sectors. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft compelling press materials, messaging frameworks, Q&As, and thought leadership content. 
• Act as a strategic communications advisor to internal partners on best practices for media engagement and narrative development. 
• Monitor the evolving beauty landscape and media trends to inform storytelling and identify timely media angles. 
• Support executive communications and media training for senior leadership. 
• Guide and manage junior team members, overseeing media list development, reporting, and media monitoring. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. 
• 7–9 years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, or PR—preferably within the beauty, consumer, or lifestyle sectors. 
• Proven track record of securing coverage in top-tier media outlets (e.g., WWD, Business of Fashion, Forbes, Glossy, Allure). 
• Deep understanding of the global beauty industry, including category trends, media landscape, and cultural movements influencing consumer behavior. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 
• Strong project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. 
• Executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders. 
• Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for driving innovation through communications.