Responsibilities

• Leads, coaches, and develops a high-performing communications team, setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting growth through ongoing coaching and development.
• Brings a strong point of view and sharp storytelling instincts, helping the team simplify complexity and connect meaningfully with diverse audiences.
• Creates clarity in fast-moving, high-stakes environments—prioritizing well, making thoughtful decisions, and helping the team navigate ambiguity with confidence.
• Fosters strong collaboration across teams and levels, building trust and influencing without authority to drive shared outcomes.
• Models curiosity and awareness of the broader landscape, staying attuned to media and culture—and helping the team do the same.
• Leads with purpose and integrity, inspiring the team through a deep connection to REI’s mission and a belief in the role business can play in protecting the outdoors.
• Lead the development and execution of corporate communications strategies that strengthen REI’s reputation and align with enterprise priorities and co-op values.
• Translate complex business initiatives and external dynamics into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences.
• Establish and sustain a consistent drumbeat of proactive, newsworthy storytelling that keeps REI relevant and credible in external conversations.
• Partner across teams to ensure messaging is aligned, timely, and reflective of REI’s voice and values.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, identifying opportunities to place REI in meaningful external conversations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key media outlets and emerging platforms to amplify REI’s stories and point of view.
• Oversee the development of press materials, messaging, and media strategies in support of business moments, announcements, and issues.
• Prepare and support spokespeople with clear, strategic guidance for media engagements.
• Monitor the external environment to identify emerging risks, cultural moments, and reputational considerations.
• Develop messaging frameworks and response strategies grounded in REI’s values, business priorities, and risk tolerance.
• Partner closely with legal, HR, public affairs, and other stakeholders to navigate sensitive or complex issues.
• Help guide teams through reactive moments, identifying opportunities to reinforce trust and credibility.
• Support the development of executive communications, including thought leadership, speaking opportunities, and key external moments.
• Help position REI leaders as authentic, credible voices on topics such as public lands, sustainability, and the future of the outdoors.

Requirements

Nice to have

Benefits

• REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.