Roots is more than just an/the iconic Canadian retailer, we are a group of passionate employees who act with integrity, trust each other and do what is right. We work in a space where people can grow and develop, with a team of people who own results and are dedicated to seeing Roots win. We seek to build longstanding relationships with partners who share our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of operation.
We are currently seeking a PR & Social Assistant who will seek inspiration from our roots, can commit to achieving results the right way and loves to think big to join us on our journey.
The PR & Social Assistant is a member of our PR & Social team, reporting directly to the Director of PR & Social. Working closely with our external PR agency and internal partners in the Marketing Department, this role is responsible for assisting the marketing team to execute communication, influencer and media relations strategies for Roots, including administration duties, as required. This person will work on multiple projects at one time and in tight collaboration with all members of the marketing team.
The PR & Social Assistant for Roots will be responsible for and evaluated on the following:
- Supports with the vetting and identification process of media/influencers (in partnership with PR agency)
- Contribute to reporting needs; work with PR team & agency to ensure pre-set KPIs are being met. Share learnings and results in relevant internal review meetings.
- Supports with the development and overall management of PR trends seasonal calendar featuring new looks, and development of lookbooks, PR media kits.
- Conducts competitive tracking and monitoring, working with PR Agency
- Assist PR agency with the execution of all ongoing media relations, providing assets to enable efforts; including campaigns, store openings, press preview etc.
- Ensure seasonal product briefing & assets’ delivery with PR agency occurs in a timely basis
- Assist in all sample requests and coordinate all samples between editors, stylists, and corporate offices and ensure the return on samples where possible.
- Fulfillment of media credit requests
- Coordinate cross functionally within the organization including but not limited to marketing, merchandising, etc. to support successful press initiatives
- Keep up to date with current trends and help identify opportunities to build a stronger community and brand through partnerships
- Assist with seeding for gifting, managing products and shipping out process. Ensure tracking & ROI for gifting is updated on monthly basis with results in partnership with agency where possible.
- Ensures gifting, seeding and sample requests or plans are in line with forecast.
- General administrative assistance as required; including scheduling key meetings
- Supporting team with event coordination, management and budgeting.
- Occasional assistance as needed to social team with ambassador and affiliate program requirements such as gifting.
Top candidates for the PR & Social Assistant role will have the following:
- Completion of College or University Degree in PR / Communications or related field preferred
- 2-5 years of relevant PR experience with a strong understanding of the principles and practices (Agency background desirable but not mandatory)
- Basic understanding of industry tools (media and influencer) and measurement best practices, earned and paid
- Passion for the fashion and apparel industry
- Interest, passion and knowledge of Canadian influencers and fashion/lifestyle media landscape (including Quebec)
- Strong computer skills, proficient use of Microsoft Office 365, iWork Suite and/or Google Workspace
- Highly motivated self-starter who takes initiative
- Strategic thinker and flawless executor
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Quick and resourceful, with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to pack and lift large boxes & supplies
Founded in 1973, Roots Canada is a publicly held Canadian lifestyle brand that sells apparel, leather bags, small leather goods, footwear and active athletic wear with over 100 retail stores in North America and Asia.