Director, PR (LA or NYC Based)

Hourglass Cosmetics; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits includinghealth

Job summary

Hourglass Cosmetics is seeking a Director of PR to lead strategic communications for North America and global markets, shaping earned media narratives and driving editorial impact across launches and brand initiatives.

You will manage US media agency, oversee a comprehensive PR calendar, and collaborate with Brand Marketing, Creative, Retail, and regional teams to reflect Hourglass values: innovation, high-performance beauty, and cruelty-free luxury.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of public relations or brand communications experience.
• Strong writing and presentation skills with a track record of strategic storytelling.
• Experience leading through complexity and driving results in luxury/beauty brands.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and manage agency partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of PR strategies supporting brand priorities and campaigns.
• Own global PR calendar and messaging across product, brand, and corporate storytelling.
• Oversee US media agency, ensure timely execution and high-quality placements.
• Develop press materials, toolkits, and talent briefs for campaigns and launches.
• Partner with leadership on internal and executive communications.

Skills

Public relations

Brand communications

Writing skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

HOURGLASS COSMETICS — Director, PR (LA or NYC Based - Hybrid role)

Connected by creativity and driven by purpose. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, redefining luxury cosmetics with high-performance products, innovative formulas, and award-winning franchises. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with its breakthrough products and its commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is globally available in 32 markets and over 4600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Space NK and more. Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division in 2017. Discover more about the Hourglass brand story and mission on our website hourglasscosmetics.com.

As Director, PR you are a strategic storyteller who thrives at the intersection of beauty, culture, and innovation. You support in the development of the earned communication strategy for North America and global markets, including initiatives that elevate Hourglass as a leader in luxury performance beauty by building visibility, cultural relevance, and meaningful editorial impact.

You will lead the PR calendar, oversee US agency partnerships, and drive campaign storytelling across launches, brand initiatives, and thought leadership. You’ll work cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Creative, Retail, and regional teams to ensure all messaging and execution reflects our values: innovation, high-performance beauty, and purpose.

What You Do

Strategic Communications & Storytelling

• Lead the development of PR strategies supporting brand priorities, core franchises, new innovations, and purpose-led campaigns.
• Own the global PR calendar and messaging framework across product, brand, and corporate storytelling.
• Translate product positioning into press-worthy narratives and experiential that reflect brand pillars of innovation, performance, and cruelty-free luxury.

Media Relations

• Support meaningful media coverage in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and business publications across global markets.
• Position artist-led moments (eg: red carpets, campaign collaborations, BTS) that enhance brand credibility.
• Oversee day-to-day management of US media agency to ensure timely execution, high-quality placements, and strategic alignment with brand objectives.
• Establish a comprehensive strategy for seeding Media, VIPs and MUA’s, continuously building our community and fostering new relationships on behalf of the brand.

Campaign & Toolkit Development

• Lead 360 PR planning for global product launches, events, and brand campaigns.
• Drive creation of all global PR materials including press releases, PR mailers, toolkits, asset packs, press sheets, talent briefs, and event guidelines.
• Ensure campaign execution is elevated, on-brand, and aligned with cultural moments and market needs.
• Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance to assess impact, media value, and strategic learnings.

Internal & Executive Communications

• Partner with leadership on internal announcements, employee engagement initiatives, and thought leadership storytelling.
• Draft messaging for founder and executive communications where needed for panels, press, or corporate initiatives.
• Create and manage content calendar to support Hourglass LinkedIn.

Cross-Functional & Agency Collaboration

• Work closely with Brand, Retail, Social, and Creative to ensure integrated messaging and campaign alignment.
• Oversee agency partners, manage timelines and budgets, and measure results against KPIs.
• Manage PR budget and Press event spend in partnership with regional team with tracking and measurement.

You’ll Love This Job If

• You are CREATIVE: You are innovative and forward-thinking in your approach and mindset.
• You are highly STRATEGIC: You are able to develop creative concepts and vision that support brand and business goals.
• You are extremely ORGANIZED: You are not overwhelmed by the thought of tackling multiple tasks at a time.
• You are DETAIL ORIENTED: You appreciate the importance of having detailed and precise information.
• You are a strong COMMUNICATOR: You are a people person, natural leader and collaborate well with others.
• You are AGILE: You adapt well to changing needs and priorities and are able to pivot easily to achieve goals and deadlines.
• You are PASSIONATE about beauty: You are eager to learn and absorb all things related to beauty, brand and creative strategy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of public relations or brand communications experience, ideally in beauty, luxury, fashion, or lifestyle.
• Demonstrated success of creating dynamic and results-driven communication strategies
• Creative excellence in press communications, writing skills and presentation development.
• Deep familiarity with the global beauty landscape, including emerging tastemakers and artist-led storytelling.
• Strategic thinker with strong writing skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with experience presenting to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to lead through complexity and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Passionate about the intersection of beauty, artistry, innovation, and design.
• Must be able to work from Corporate Office 3 days a week.

The expected base salary range for this position is $135,000 to $165,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget. This position is also eligible for participation in the company discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results. Relocation assistance offered.

In addition to base salary, Hourglass Cosmetics offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company match, paid family leave, education-related programs, paid holidays, discretionary vacation time, and more.

Hourglass is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive its business results and to create a better future every day for its diverse employees, global consumers, partners and communities. If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation in order to apply for a job listing, please contact us at 310-392-7799 or [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination under Federal law. For more information, please see Know Your Rights.