Specialist, Store Communications (must be based in NY, NJ or CT)

About the Role

The Specialist, Store Communications (Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet) will coordinate and organize store and field leadership communications for four retail brands. The role involves drafting and proofreading communications for multiple channels, managing project timelines, and generating reports to ensure deadlines are met. The Specialist collaborates with partners in Credit & Loyalty, Network & Recruiting, Visual, Marketing, Talent & Strategy, Planning/Allocation, Asset Protection, Operations, and Human Resources to craft communication plans and strategies that support the delivery of business‑critical information to the field organization and help achieve profitable growth for the store channel.
Primary Accountabilities and Desired Outcomes

Clearly communicate promotional activity, company initiatives, visual execution, brand events, and workload to help store leaders and associates stay informed, balance key responsibilities, and protect their time with customers on the sales floor.
Manage and coordinate the workflow and production of internal communications using available tools, systems, and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with Store Communications team members to oversee all aspects of the Intranet platform, managing site administration, strategically organizing content, and ensuring all materials remain current and relevant.
Write and edit impactful communications for in‑store programs and initiatives, promotions, visual execution, operational and HR tasks, tailoring content for different audiences (Field Leadership, Store Managers, and Associates) to share key objectives, background context, and actions needed.
Proactively plan and distribute communications in a timely manner to prepare field teams to execute responsibilities, deliver business expectations, and maintain an excellent customer experience.
Coordinate the development, review, and delivery of assets and copy that visually support communications, tools and resources such as weekly focuses, associate features, Intranet branding, program and seasonal toolkits, etc.
Create and communicate resources supporting associates’ understanding and execution of the Credit & Loyalty program (training materials, e‑learnings, associate incentives, etc.).
Participate in weekly business meetings and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to craft communication strategies and business support materials for seamless in‑store execution.
Serve as a workflow advisor with a comprehensive perspective of each brand’s promotional/marketing strategy and upcoming CFT initiatives, offering guidance on impact on store workload while proactively aligning communication plans.
Manage workflow updates (freight, markdowns, pillar events, store set execution, etc.) to guarantee that field teams have access to the latest information to inform staffing plans and readiness for peak times.
Support District Field Leaders with tools designed to boost engagement and recognize associates, while fostering open two‑way communication.
Provide support for ad‑hoc company initiatives and projects, including product tests/transfers, store feedback surveys, network & recruiting events, and asset protection & safety training.
Extended support for client experience team’s projects (hosting town halls, gift with purchase execution, store event overviews, etc.).
Communicate with stores through the issues management system and shared email inboxes to promptly address inquiries and share updates; provide after‑hour/on‑call support as needed.
Proactively organize and coordinate all meeting preparations, including creating presentation documents, developing agendas, taking notes, and scheduling.
Deliver comprehensive logistical, project management, and event support for possible off‑site meetings and conferences.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Business Management, Marketing and/or 2–3 years of equivalent work experience.
Eagerness to learn about retail/fashion, customer service & experience, with a focus on retail/business communications.
Highly effective verbal and written communicator across different vehicles.
2–3 years of project management experience.
Passion for writing for various audiences (internal, external) using various vehicles (print, online).
Proficient on PC & MAC Operating Systems.
Organized & works well in a fast‑paced environment (managing deadlines for multiple projects, exhibiting a sense of urgency, proactive, resourceful, can‑do attitude).
Collaborative and works well in a team environment but can work independently.
Retail store background is a plus, but not required.
Benefits

Eligible for merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
Support for individual development and opportunities for career mobility within the family of brands.
A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support communities.
Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(k).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Paid time off & holidays.
Wage range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000. Actual wage rates will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Location: Corporate Ann Taylor – Remote
Position Type: Regular/Full time
Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

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