PR & Events Officer - Poetry

We’re looking for a dynamic and brand-aligned PR & Events Officer to join the Poetry marketing team. This is a mid-weight role that combines strategic input with hands-on execution, perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a strong instinct for storytelling and relationship building.

The PR & Events Officer will work closely with our external PR support, acting as the critical link between Poetry’s business priorities and PR initiatives. While the external PR support provides a level of strategic leadership, the PR & Events Officer ensures effective alignment with internal processes and takes responsibility for driving execution and strategic input as needed. Together, they will divide responsibilities to ensure impact and delivery.

This role is central to how Poetry shows up in the world—through events, influencer and brand friend partnerships, press releases, community sentiment, collaborations, and brand-building opportunities.

Key Performance / Focus Areas

1. PR Strategy & Alignment

• Support the development of annual and seasonal PR strategies in partnership with external PR support and the Head of Marketing.
• Act as the bridge between internal stakeholders and PR initiatives—translating business needs into actionable opportunities.
• Ensure PR efforts complement and amplify brand campaigns, events, and collaborations.

2. Event Conceptualization & Execution

• Assist in the conceptualization and planning of PR events, launches, and brand moments.
• Manage event logistics from venue to guest lists, ensuring execution aligns with brand aesthetic and values.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Creative, Brand Ops, Digital) to ensure seamless rollout across channel and relevant brand exposure before and after PR activations.

3. Influencer & Brand Friend Management

• Build and nurture relationships with influencers, media personalities, and brand friends.
• Manage influencer partnerships—from gifting and contracts to content tracking and reporting.
• Identify new talent and partnership opportunities aligned with Poetry’s brand positioning.

4. Press Office & Media Relations

• Draft, edit or outsource press releases, media alerts, and press kits in collaboration with external PR support.
• Secure press exposure opportunities through proactive pitching and relationship building.
• Manage sample send-outs, media requests, and ongoing press relationships.

5. Partnerships & Brand Collaborations

• Identify and coordinate brand collaborations, partnerships, and ad hoc opportunities that elevate Poetry’s profile.
• Ensure partnership activations align with broader marketing objectives.

6. Reporting & Accountability

• Track and measure PR coverage, influencer performance, and event success metrics.
• Report regularly to the Head of Marketing, providing clear insights and recommendations.
• Ensure deadlines are met and that communication with stakeholders and external PR support is proactive and solution oriented.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 3–5 years’ experience in PR, communications, or events (fashion, retail, or lifestyle brand experience preferred).
• Strong writing and editing skills (press releases, media copy).
• Proven experience in event management and influencer partnerships.
• Established media and influencer contacts in the fashion/lifestyle space (advantageous).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to represent the brand externally.

Behavioural Competencies

• Deeply connected to the Poetry aesthetic and values, with a passion for brand storytelling.
• Relationship-oriented, able to build and maintain strong networks.
• Hands-on and proactive—comfortable with both strategy support and execution.
• Calm and solutions-focused when managing multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Collaborative—works seamlessly with external PR support, internal teams, and stakeholders.
• Creative thinker who can spot and act on PR opportunities that elevate the brand.

We are committed to transformation and diversity in the workplace. Appointments will be made in line with our Employment Equity Plan.