Job Description

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.