Brand Marketing Specialist-HYBRID
Designer Brands · New York, NY
- On site
- Full-time
- $85,000 / year
- New York, NY
Job highlights
- Manage brand marketing for key wholesale accounts.
- Execute marketing programs and develop assets.
- Collaborate with retail partners and internal teams.
- Oversee event production and manage budgets.
- Requires 5-7 years experience and a Bachelor's.
About the role
Brand Marketing Specialist - Hybrid
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
This role sits at the center of how our brands—Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, and Lucky Brand—show up in the retail world. As a Brand Marketing Specialist, you’ll bring marketing ideas to life at the places where customers discover, shop, and engage with our products.
You’ll act as the primary marketing partner to our wholesale retail accounts, shaping how campaigns, launches, and seasonal stories translate across stores, digital platforms, and events. From developing custom programs for key retailers to coordinating high-impact sales markets and tradeshows, this role blends strategy, creativity, and execution. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys owning projects end‑to‑end, building relationships, and seeing their work directly influence brand presence and sales. THIS POSITION IS HYBRID TO NYC OFFICE.
Reporting to: Manager, Brand Marketing
What You’ll Be Doing
Your work will span ongoing retail marketing, campaign execution, asset development, and live events. Responsibilities are grouped below to show how the role comes together.
Retail & Wholesale Marketing Activation
- Manage always-on retail marketing programs across key partners (e.g., Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Amazon, DSW).
- Create and execute custom marketing programs aligned to seasonal priorities and brand goals.
- Develop, distribute, and manage marketing assets including:
- Brand imagery and seasonal content
- Dedicated emails and web assets
- Custom events, trend guides, and training materials
- Stockroom posters, brand pages, and A+ content
- Field and fulfill incoming asset requests from retail partners.
- Build and manage the annual retailer marketing calendar for each brand.
Wholesale Partner Collaboration
- Serve as the main point of contact for wholesale marketing support across all retailer partners.
- Lead clear, consistent communication to secure new marketing opportunities.
- Support seasonal launches, new collections, and ongoing initiatives that drive both awareness and sales.
- Develop and present compelling brand pitches when needed.
Campaign & Asset Production
- Lead wholesale photoshoot needs for Vince Camuto seasonal campaigns.
- Define strategic asset requirements (on-model, still-life, parts) aligned to partner needs.
- Manage photoshoot deliverables, including creation of master campaign credit documents.
- For Designer Brands–owned brands (Jessica Simpson and Lucky Brand):
- Lead development of wholesale asset needs
- Produce still-life shoots to extend campaign imagery and marketing usage
- Develop, maintain, and distribute brand guidelines for external partners.
Licensor & Cross‑Functional Partnership
- Act as liaison with ABG on seasonal asset needs for RTW partners.
- Manage RTW and accessory product trafficking, credit decks, and asset distribution.
- Collaborate closely with creative, product, and sales teams to ensure alignment across functions.
Events, Sales Markets & Tradeshows
- Oversee production of multiple seasonal sales markets across all brands, including:
- Showroom updates and visual displays
- Model coordination, catering, and invitations
- Manage all logistics for seasonal tradeshows:
- Contracts and vendor coordination
- Booth furniture, electrical, signage, artwork, and displays
- Develop and maintain annual sales market and tradeshow calendars.
Budget & Project Management
- Manage project budgets related to sales markets, tradeshows, and production.
- Negotiate pricing with vendors and oversee costs to stay within scope and budget.
- Track timelines and ensure deliverables are executed smoothly from start to finish.
What You’ll Need
Core Skills & Knowledge
- Understanding of retail marketing and current fashion and entertainment landscapes.
- Experience with brand management, photoshoots, and small-scale event planning.
- Ability to manage timelines, assets, and post-production deliverables across multiple projects.
- Understanding of creative services and collaborative workflows.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
Experience
- 5–7 years of experience in a similar role.
- Experience writing key brand pitches.
- Understanding of product management by brand.
- General understanding of affiliate marketing.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
Key skills/competency
- Brand Marketing
- Retail Marketing
- Campaign Execution
- Asset Management
- Wholesale Marketing
- Event Planning
- Project Management
- Relationship Building
- Content Creation
- Fashion Industry
Skills & topics
- Brand Marketing
- Marketing Specialist
- Retail Marketing
- Wholesale Marketing
- Campaign Management
- Asset Development
- Event Planning
- Fashion Marketing
- Footwear Industry
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office
- Bachelor's Degree
- New York City
- Hybrid Work
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5-7 years of experience in brand marketing, retail activation, and asset management, emphasizing achievements in wholesale partner collaboration and event production.
- Showcase relevant skills: Emphasize your understanding of retail marketing, fashion landscape, brand pitches, and project management in your application.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience managing budgets, negotiating with vendors, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Highlight education and experience: Ensure your Bachelor's degree and specific experience in brand pitches and product management are clearly presented.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Brand Marketing Specialist role at Designer Brands?
- The Brand Marketing Specialist position at Designer Brands is a hybrid role, requiring you to work from the NYC office. This offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Brand Marketing Specialist at Designer Brands?
- As a Brand Marketing Specialist, you will be the primary marketing partner for wholesale retail accounts, focusing on executing marketing campaigns, developing brand assets, managing retailer calendars, and supporting seasonal launches and events for brands like Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, and Lucky Brand.
- What experience is required for the Brand Marketing Specialist position?
- Designer Brands requires 5-7 years of experience in a similar role, including experience with brand management, photoshoots, event planning, writing key brand pitches, and a general understanding of affiliate marketing. A Bachelor's degree is also necessary.
- How does Designer Brands support employee career growth?
- Designer Brands offers various opportunities for career advancement, including training programs, professional development, and education assistance. They foster a culture that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives, encouraging employees to step up their careers.
- What are the key brands managed by the Brand Marketing Specialist at Designer Brands?
- The Brand Marketing Specialist will focus on key brands such as Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, and Lucky Brand, acting as the marketing partner to ensure their presence across wholesale retail channels.
- What kind of benefits does Designer Brands offer its associates?
- Designer Brands provides a comprehensive benefits package, including free virtual healthcare, robust family/fertility benefits, and a 401(k) with a match. Associates also receive discounts on Designer Brands products.