Director, Strategic Marketing Initiatives

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Strategic Marketing Initiatives

🔹 Company: Macy's

🔹 Location: New York, NY, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic planning and execution of high-profile marketing initiatives
• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
• Campaign management and optimization for maximum impact
• Alignment of marketing efforts with company priorities and brand strategy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the planning and execution of flagship stores marketing initiatives, seasonal moments, and brand buzz-builders from concept through launch

✅ Ensure these campaigns stand out in the market, ladder up to brand strategy, and drive meaningful business results

✅ Identify whitespace opportunities in the marketing calendar and develop creative solutions to activate around key cultural, retail, or customer moments

✅ Serve as a strategic thought partner and integrator for the marketing strategy team, helping connect vision to execution across the line of business marketing teams

✅ Collaborate with teams across the organization to align on campaign objectives, timelines, and KPIs

✅ Keep initiatives on track by managing deadlines, deliverables, and details with precision

✅ Oversee post-campaign retrospectives and implement learnings to refine future planning

✅ Foster strong communication and collaboration within the marketing and content strategy team, as well as across other relevant departments within Marketing and beyond

✅ Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication, project management, and leadership skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field

Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience with a proven track record of strategic thinking, creativity, and innovation that drives business results

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in creating, managing, and maintaining content or marketing calendars that align with business goals, customer needs, and cultural moments
• Ability to identify opportunities for aligning campaigns across different channels (social, email, digital, stores)
• Experience applying analytics and insights to create integrated marketing campaigns that deliver against clear KPIs
• Excellent communication and time management skills
• A strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of big ideas and operational detail
• Experienced in leading large-scale, cross-functional campaigns with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines
• Comfortable in fast-paced, ever-evolving environments, and energized by work that is both high-visibility and high-impact

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the retail industry
• Fluency in Spanish

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on driving business results through marketing initiatives.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director-level marketing role in the retail industry)

Benefits:

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1858

Company Description:

• Macy's is America’s store for life, delivering quality fashion at affordable prices to customers at approximately 640 locations in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, as well as to customers in more than 100 international destinations through macys.com
• Macy's inspires fashion exploration and discovery through the most desired family of exclusive brands for her, for him, for the home, and via dynamic mobile and social platforms
• Macy's flagship stores, including New York City’s Herald Square, are internationally renowned and preeminent destinations for tourists

Company Specialties:

• Retail

Company Website: Macy's Careers

ASSUMPTION: Macy's is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence and a diverse product offering.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Marketing

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Senior Director or Vice President role within the marketing department
• Opportunities to lead high-visibility campaigns and make a significant impact on the company's marketing strategy
• Access to professional development opportunities, such as training and workshops, to enhance skills and advance career growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a real impact on the company's marketing efforts and advance their career within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment

Office Location(s): 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City is a major hub for the retail industry, offering ample networking and professional development opportunities
• The office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, with easy access to public transportation
• The city offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options

Work Schedule: Standard workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The office environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role and the candidate's qualifications
• Final interview with additional stakeholders to assess the candidate's fit within the team and the organization

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and team management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Macy's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with marketing campaign planning and execution, as well as your ability to manage cross-functional teams
• Research Macy's marketing strategies and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their continued success

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, campaign management, cross-functional leadership, retail marketing, brand buzz-builders, seasonal moments, flagship stores

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be comprehensive, with a strong focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Adobe Campaign)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the team's preferences.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Put the customer first
• Act with integrity
• Pursue excellence
• Collaborate and build strong relationships
• Inspire and be inspired

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering business impact
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, and are you energized by high-visibility, high-impact work?
• Are you a strong communicator with excellent presentation skills, able to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels?
• Do you have a proven track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional campaigns with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines?
• Are you passionate about the retail industry and excited about the opportunity to make a significant impact on Macy's marketing strategy?

ASSUMPTION: Macy's values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, teamwork, and customer-centricity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Balancing strategic thinking with operational excellence to ensure campaigns are executed flawlessly
• Adapting to changes in the retail landscape and consumer behavior
• Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring a strong leader who can thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Marketing Manager or Marketing Director role in a retail or consumer goods company, with a focus on strategic planning and campaign execution
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the retail industry and the ability to drive business impact through marketing initiatives
• Career progression in this role may lead to a Senior Director or Vice President role within the marketing department, with the opportunity to advance to a Chief Marketing Officer or similar executive position

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on driving business results through marketing initiatives.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a high-profile, seasonal marketing campaign, such as a back-to-school promotion or holiday gift guide
• Developing a creative solution to activate around a key cultural moment, such as a sports event or awards show
• Managing a cross-functional team to launch a new product line or brand, ensuring alignment with company priorities and brand strategy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, creative, and operational aspects of the role, highlighting the candidate's ability to manage complex campaigns and drive business impact.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department, and how this role fits into the broader organization?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its marketing professionals, and what opportunities are available for career advancement?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to driving success within the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through Macy's Careers
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership abilities
• Prepare for your interview by researching Macy's marketing strategies and developing ideas for high-impact campaigns that align with the company's brand and business objectives
• Follow up with the hiring manager within 48 hours after your interview to express your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate your qualifications

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