Public Relations Specialist

About the ALDO Group 

Specializing in stylish and accessible footwear, handbags, and accessories, the ALDO Group has been around for more than 50 years. With over 1,500 stores in more than 100 countries, we operate under two signature brands, ALDO and Call It Spring, and we are the core footwear partner for Sperry in North America. The ALDO Group is also an industry-recognized wholesale licensed partner, specializing in the design, sourcing, and distribution of fashion footwear, handbags, and accessories. Our diverse portfolio includes household brands such as ROXY, Brooks Brothers, Ted Baker, Hunter, and G.H.BASS. In addition to our head office in Montreal, the ALDO Group maintains international offices in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.aldogroup.com. 

Enjoy meaningful recognition, flexible work options, great on‑site perks, generous discounts, and the pride of being part of a brand that leads with people, the planet, and its partners at heart.  

Overview

The Public Relations Specialist plays a crucial role within the ALDO Brand department and supports the Public Relations team. The Specialist is responsible for taking the lead on any PR agency requests, supports the development of PR tools for agency partners and media, and fulfills media and stylist requests. The PR Specialist must be proactive in anticipating team needs, while helping to action the team’s larger strategy, both collaboratively and independently. As a key contact for external PR agency and media requests in North America, the PR Specialist will need to demonstrate acute skills in managing priorities, multi-tasking, showing problem-solving and a positive attitude. The Specialist will report directly to the PR Director, supporting the execution and implementation of communications projects to ensure optimal brand visibility and representation in the media.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of various press materials (seasonal look books & newsletters, design briefs, pitches and alerts, etc.).
• Develop targeted pitches for Canadian media, positioning seasonal product stories and brand moments for editorial coverage.
• Fulfill agency, media & stylist requests (ex. fact checks, image requests, sample shipments, and store pulls).
• Foster productive relationships with various departments within the ALDO Group (buying, product development, visual merchandising, samples management, customs & global trade, brand development, brand content, finance, etc.).
• Support the Manager and Director in day-to-day agency partner correspondence.
• Assist with PR budget tracker and processing of file invoices.
• Assist in the strategic planning & implementation of PR projects to ensure optimal product placements and brand visibility of go-to market campaign moments.
• Work with Coordinator to conduct in-store communications relating to PR activities in key markets (CA and US).
• Media coverage management and reporting; overseeing agency tracking and assisting Coordinator with internal reporting.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the internal PR media list database.
• Oversee and collaborate with the Coordinator to manage in-house PR samples (ex. tracking internal shoots/photography, monitoring department sample budget, and coordinating event and gifting needs, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Coordinator to keep the team up to date on industry insights and competitive analysis, as it relates to the ALDO brand.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, public relations or marketing.
• 3-4 years+ of professional public relations experience, preferably in an agency setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects at once and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexible with schedule changes.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to display maturity, discipline and professionalism in a high-pressure environment.
• Highly independent and a team player.
• Knowledge of fashion and lifestyle media, as well as the fashion industry in general.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and experience with MRP, Cision and Meltwater.
• This position requires fluency in both French and English as it involves communication with clients and stakeholders across Canada, including provinces where English is the primary language of business. 

Building a culture of belonging 

We firmly believe that the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and identities is a fundamental strength of the ALDO Group. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and equitable work environment where everyone can reach their full potential and find their fit.