Job Description

Position Overview

As the Head of Public Affairs at Ralph Lauren, you will work closely with our leadership team and across the business to ensure that we  remain at the forefront of relevant legislative changes and industry developments. In this role, you will  provide strategic insights, advocate for our interests, and drive initiatives that protect Ralph Lauren’s priorities in an evolving geopolitical and regulatory environment. The role requires a general understanding of the political,  social, and economic landscape in key markets for the business as well as the ability to quickly identify and react to emerging issues in these regions. The Head of Public Affairs reports to the Chief Global Impact and Communications Officer.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

​​​ The Head of Public Affairs plays a leading role in designing the company’s public affairs strategy through:

​ Policy Communications & Advocacy

• ​ Develop and execute meaningful advocacy strategies that protect the brand’s interests and unlock new opportunities for Ralph Lauren in an evolving regulatory environment. 
• ​ Present Ralph Lauren’s policy positions to government officials, trade associations, coalitions, and  other  industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment between corporate priorities and broader legislative and market trends. 

​ Policy Intelligence & Analysis

• ​ Monitor the legislative and regulatory landscape, assess potential business impacts, and develop tailored, forward-thinking strategies that position Ralph Lauren for success. 
• ​ Develop compelling policy documents, including executive summaries, position papers, and advocacy briefs, that clearly articulate Ralph Lauren’s policy positions. 
• ​ Keep Ralph Lauren leadership informed with  timely , in-depth analyses of current and proposed legislation affecting the fashion and retail sector, ensuring proactive and informed decision-making for compliance. 

​ Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• ​ Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key government officials at an international, federal,  state and local level to advance Ralph Lauren’s priorities across key markets. 
• ​ Arrange high-impact meetings for senior leadership and prepare briefing materials, talking points and other supporting items.
• ​ Maintain and strengthen partnerships with trade associations, advocacy  groups, and other industry organizations. 
• ​ Organize immersive site visits and events for elected officials to deepen their understanding of Ralph Lauren’s business, economic  contributions, and philanthropy. 

​ Strategic Risk & Issues Management

• ​ Anticipate and evaluate emerging company risks stemming from geopolitical shifts and  regulatory changes. 
• ​ Advise on ways to mitigate these risks through strategic government engagement or other actions with input from the relevant teams within the business. 
• ​ Develop and review talking points, statements, messaging and other materials related to key public affairs issues and developments for various internal and external company communications. 

​ Leadership & Team Development:

• ​ Lead with vision and purpose, ensuring high team performance and developing key competencies within the public affairs function.
• ​ Manage external consultants and oversee team budget. ​​

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• ​​​ Deep understanding of public policy, with the ability to distill complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights. 
• ​15+ years of public affairs experience preferred in an agency,  brand or political environment. Experience in fashion and retail, global supply chains, trade, sustainability, and/or geopolitical issues preferred.
• ​ Highly adaptable and entrepreneurial, with the ability to  anticipate and respond to shifting political and regulatory landscapes. 
• ​ Exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively articulate Ralph Lauren’s policy positions and influence diverse audiences. 
• ​ Proven ability to navigate complex policy challenges, persuade stakeholders, and drive favorable outcomes. 
• ​ A strategic and thoughtful approach to advocacy, with the ability to develop creative solutions that advance Ralph Lauren’s  objectives and stay true to our brand’s values. 
• ​ Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing projects from strategy development through execution. 
• ​ Highly motivated, able to work independently while fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve common goals and vision. 
• ​ Experience presenting to senior leadership and corporate boards. 

Ralph Lauren will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance laws. Please note background checks will be evaluated individually.

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