K

Assistant Manager, Brand Activation

Kohl's
Full-time
On-site
United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Assistant Manager, Brand Activation

πŸ”Ή Company: Kohl's

πŸ”Ή Location: New York, United States (Hybrid: On-site 4 days/week, Remote 1 day/week)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 11, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Translating strategic direction into actionable brand activation programs
  • Managing tactics and campaigns to grow brand awareness and shift perceptions
  • Collaborating with internal and external partners for event planning and execution
  • Overseeing project timelines, budgets, and content approvals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, creativity, and the ability to work effectively with various teams.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Manage day-to-day development and execution of brand activation and brand campaigns

βœ… Support Senior Manager in translating high-level activation strategies into actionable plans

βœ… Lead large-scale events and partnership activations from ideation through execution

βœ… Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure quality control and timely delivery of campaign elements

βœ… Oversee executional details such as project timelines, budgets, contracts, content approvals, and KPI tracking

βœ… Partner closely with the Senior Coordinator to manage logistics and troubleshoot roadblocks

βœ… Provide thought partnership and insights during planning and recapping phases to drive continuous improvement

βœ… Stay up-to-date on emerging trends, talent, competitor strategies, and cultural moments to inform activation tactics

βœ… Support press, social content, influencer, and engagement teams as needed

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Social Media, Communications, or other applicable areas of study

Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of experience in brand activation, influencer marketing, or experiential marketing

Required Skills:

  • Campaign management
  • Event management
  • Collaboration
  • Quality control
  • Budget management
  • KPI tracking
  • Logistics management
  • Trend analysis
  • Content approval
  • Continuous improvement
  • Social media
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience working with creative or media agencies

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should have a strong understanding of the retail industry and relevant marketing trends.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $88,900 - $151,100 per year

Benefits:

  • PTO, Vacation Buy Program, Parental Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and other short/long-term disability programs
  • 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, associate discount programs
  • Life Insurance, Legal and Adoption Assistance

Working Hours: Full-time, 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, with occasional longer hours as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1962

Company Description:

  • Kohl’s is a leading omnichannel retailer with over 1,100 stores in 49 states
  • Offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home goods
  • Known for its strong loyalty program, Kohl’s Cash, and convenient nationwide store footprint

Company Specialties:

  • Beauty
  • Technology
  • Software Engineers
  • Retail
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Product Development

Company Website: careers.kohls.com

ASSUMPTION: Kohl’s is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence and a focus on customer experience.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Manager, Brand Activation

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: On-site 4 days/week, Remote 1 day/week

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential advancement to Senior Manager or similar roles within the Brand Activation team
  • Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and events
  • Chance to gain experience in various aspects of brand management and marketing

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the marketing department.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office or design office

Office Location(s): New York Design Office (0908), Menomonee Falls, WI

Geographic Context:

  • New York: Diverse and vibrant city with a strong fashion and retail industry
  • Menomonee Falls, WI: Suburban area with a lower cost of living and a family-friendly atmosphere

Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday on-site, with the option to work remotely on Fridays

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the senior leadership team

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Campaign management skills
  • Event planning and execution
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Problem-solving and adaptability

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and achievements in brand activation, influencer marketing, or experiential marketing
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the job requirements
  • Prepare examples of successful campaigns or events you’ve managed, including challenges faced and solutions implemented
  • Research Kohl’s brand and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its initiatives

ATS Keywords: Brand Activation, Campaign Management, Event Planning, Influencer Marketing, Experiential Marketing, Collaboration, Quality Control, Budget Management, KPI Tracking, Logistics Management, Trend Analysis, Content Approval, Continuous Improvement, Social Media, Communication, Teamwork

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to include relevant keywords and demonstrate their fit for the role.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
  • Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
  • Event planning and management tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer Obsessed
  • Inclusive & Diverse
  • One Team, One Dream
  • Act with Integrity
  • Think Like an Owner

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Results-driven and proactive

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
  • Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines?
  • Do you have a strong understanding of the retail industry and relevant marketing trends?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Kohl’s company values and work style to ensure a successful cultural integration.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Working with various internal and external partners to ensure project success
  • Keeping up with industry trends and competitor strategies
  • Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changes in a dynamic work environment.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other brand activation roles, this position offers a unique blend of event planning, campaign management, and partnership development
  • Industry-specific context: Retail industry experience is preferred, but not required
  • Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to senior management or related marketing positions

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their career goals and how this role aligns with their desired path in the marketing field.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Planning and executing a large-scale event or partnership activation, including vendor management, logistics, and on-site event management
  • Developing and implementing a brand awareness campaign, including creative concept development, media planning, and execution
  • Managing a team to execute multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their experience managing projects from start to finish, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does this role fit into the broader marketing strategy and organization?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents succeeded in these areas?
  • What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing department?
  • What is the work environment and company culture like, and how does this role contribute to it?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
  • Prepare examples of successful campaigns or events you’ve managed, including challenges faced and solutions implemented
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.