Communications Manager, Design & Lifestyle

Communications Manager will support the Communications Director in developing and executing strategic communications across a portfolio of design and lifestyle clients. This role combines day-to-day account management with hands-on execution, team oversight, and contribution to broader brand-building initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a strong instinct for brand building, industry relationships, excellent organizational skills, and a thoughtful, resourceful approach to their work. A genuine interest in design, culture, and the creative industries is essential. This is a full-time position based in New York, with occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Client Management
  • Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for clients, managing communications, updates, and ensuring seamless execution across all workstreams.
• Strategy Development & Execution
  • Support the development of annual, quarterly, and launch-specific communications strategies. Lead execution across press, storytelling, and brand visibility initiatives.
• Media Relations & Editorial Placement
  • Pitch and secure high-quality editorial coverage. Build and maintain strong relationships with key editors, journalists, and industry figures across design, lifestyle, business, and culture.
• Content & Materials Development
  • Develop press materials including releases, brand narratives, and presentation decks that clearly articulate client positioning.
• Event & Activation Management
  • Plan and execute events, press previews, and presentations, overseeing creative ideation, production, logistics, guest lists, and post-event reporting.
• Partnerships & Brand Development
  • Partner with the Partnerships Manager and internal teams to support the development and execution of brand partnerships and collaborations, ensuring alignment with client positioning and strategic objectives.
• Reporting & Performance Tracking
  • Oversee client reporting, ensuring accurate tracking of KPIs, media coverage, and campaign performance. Maintain all internal and external reporting systems.
• Research & Opportunity Identification
  • Monitor the media and cultural landscape to identify timely opportunities for client visibility and engagement.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Manage and mentor junior team members, including seasonal interns. Provide clear direction, training, and oversight to ensure high standards of execution.
• Operational Excellence
  • Ensure smooth day-to-day account operations, including agenda setting, briefing preparation, and workflow management.
• Community & Relationship Building
  • Support ongoing relationship development across media, talent, and industry networks, contributing to long-term brand building for clients.
• Internship Program Contribution
  • Support the ongoing development and improvement of the agency’s internship program in collaboration with other managers.

Skills & experience

• 3–5 years of experience in communications, PR, or brand strategy within design, lifestyle, or creative industries.
• Strong media relationships across design, lifestyle, and cultural publications.
• Proven ability to manage accounts independently and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing press materials and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience planning and executing events and press activations.
• Ability to manage and mentor junior team members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MuckRack, Launchmetrics or similar software.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong cultural awareness and genuine interest in design, art, and creative industries. Creative thinker.

Benefits

• Salary range: $72,000-$86,400
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• 15 PTO days per year in addition to public holidays - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s (Dec 25–Jan 1)
• Summer Fridays: Memorial day through Labor day

About VSJ Consulting

VSJ Consulting is a communications & advisory partner working across fashion, design, lifestyle, and creative businesses. The firm partners with founders and creative directors to build cultural authority through partnerships, strategic counsel, and editorial positioning. VSJ maintains a tightly curated roster to ensure depth, continuity, and direct acc…