Sustainability Stakeholder Director

Lululemon Athletica; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 157,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative performance apparel company is seeking a Sustainability Stakeholder Management Director to lead their engagement with social and environmental stakeholders. This pivotal role involves developing stakeholder management plans, managing crisis responses, and fostering strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media relations and stakeholder engagement, with a deep understanding of sustainability topics. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to creating positive change and building a healthier future. This is a unique opportunity to influence the company's impact strategy and work collaboratively across diverse teams.

Benefits

Health and Dental Insurance

Mental Health Support

Paid Time Off

Retirement Matching

Parental Support

Development Programs

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to develop and implement engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder management and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with teams on crisis response and issues management.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Crisis Management

Media Relations

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

who we are

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive, and growth-focused environment for our people.

a day in the life

The Sustainability Stakeholder Management Director will report to the SVP, Sustainability, and will be responsible for leading lululemon’s strategy to engage with external social and environmental stakeholders, oversee issues management resolution, and deliver on brand/communications partnerships. This individual will play a key role in shaping lululemon’s business and impact strategy by developing and executing stakeholder management plans, managing crisis response, and supporting public affairs initiatives. They will be instrumental in identifying key risks and opportunities, assessing their potential impact on the business, and driving cross-functional alignment to implement effective solutions. They will be responsible for guiding our strategic partnerships and engagement with stakeholders to ensure a high level of alignment and collaboration.

Success in this role requires a collaborative mindset and a vision for transforming people, businesses, and climate. The ability to work with diverse teams, cultivate relationships, and translate complex issues into understandable insights is essential. A deep understanding of the industry is a must.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategy Development and Engagement
2. Develop and deliver a stakeholder mapping with definitions, prioritization, and engagement strategies.
3. Create and maintain a stakeholder engagement plan, guiding proactive and reactive interactions.
4. Build strategic relationships with civil society organizations, NGOs, industry and academic experts on issues like sustainable materials, climate change, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, circularity, social compliance, health and safety, human rights, and worker wellbeing, in collaboration with implementation teams.
5. Manage external stakeholder relationships to identify opportunities for partnership and address gaps.
6. Coordinate with teams to communicate with external parties on specific topics or incidents affecting lululemon.
7. Work with reporting teams to improve scores on key benchmarks.
8. Engage directly with priority stakeholders, including SVP involvement when appropriate, for partnership building, activist engagement, and ESG investor relations.

Issues Management and Crisis Response:

1. Collaborate with Communications, Public Affairs, and Government Affairs teams to monitor, prepare, and respond to emerging issues and campaigns, protecting the brand and mitigating risks.
2. Provide strategic counsel on issues and crises, including communication approaches.
3. Work with external partners to understand trends and advise the business on reputational risk mitigation.
4. Identify opportunities to develop human rights and environmental policies.

ESG Regulatory Affairs

1. Manage ESG regulatory matters related to reporting, climate, EPR, human rights, etc.
2. Integrate regulatory management systems within lululemon and support government engagement efforts.
3. Assist in interpreting and responding to regulatory requirements, including advocacy efforts.

Cross-functional Alignment:

1. Act as a key resource across teams for external messaging, issues management, and stakeholder positioning.
2. Advise teams on stakeholder engagement strategies and actions.

qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in media relations, issues management, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience working with senior leadership and preparing for media engagements.
• Experience engaging with key groups like the UN, NGOs, government officials, and influential entities.
• Knowledge of sustainability topics such as climate change, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and human rights.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to influence without authority.
• Experience in the apparel, fashion, or retail industry is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication skills and a positive, client-focused attitude.

must haves

• Personal responsibility and awareness of choice.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
• Honest and kind communication, fostering open dialogue.
• Courageous leadership, embracing greatness over fear.
• Building trust and connection by prioritizing people.
• A joyful, lighthearted approach to work and life.

Additional Notes

Authorization to work in Canada is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The typical salary range is $157,400 - $206,600 annually, based on market, experience, and internal factors. Benefits include bonuses, equity, health and dental, mental health, paid time off, retirement matching, parental support, development programs, and more.

Workplace Arrangement

This role requires onsite work at least 4 days a week, as per our In-Person policy. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities; contact us at [e-mail] for support.