Consumer Public Relations Specialist - North America

The Role

The Consumer PRSpecialist, North America is responsible for driving Rakuten Kobo's brand awareness and engagement across key North American markets (Canada and the United States). Reporting to the Senior Manager of Communications, this role primarily focuses on strategic media relations, earned influencer programming, and overseeing local PR agencies in both Canada and the US.

A critical component of this role is elevating Rakuten Kobo's innovative hardware and accessories. The Specialist will be instrumental in positioning our eReaders and related products to media and earned influencers, securing impactful coverage that highlights their unique features, benefits, and overall contribution to the reading experience. This includes developing compelling narratives and executing targeted outreach to tech, lifestyle, and consumer product journalists, as well as influential voices in the technology and readingcategories.

The Specialist will further elevate the Kobo brand through creative trend pitches, robust product review programs for product, events, strategic partnerships, and content collaborations. This role requires a strong communicator and collaborator who can partner with and motivate cross-functional teams at Kobo, including content, R&D, marketing, and business development, to craft compelling stories for Rakuten Kobo and its diverse product offerings.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Communications Strategy & Execution:

• Executing the overall communications strategy, including product launches, consumer PR outreach, earned influencer programming, and media/influencer/consumer events, in close collaboration with the Senior Manager of Communications.

• Organizing and executing media opportunities and speaking engagements to drive Kobo’s brand awareness across North America, including media tours and interviews with local agency assistance.

• Agency & Market Management:

• Helping to oversee public relations agencies for North American markets (US and Canada), including planning, briefing, and managing ongoing activities, and analyzing results to inform future efforts.

• Monitoring, Reporting & Analysis:

• Leading reporting across North American markets, tracking results, measuring against KPIs, identifying notable wins/trends, and coordinating agency reporting.

• Competitor news tracking and analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for Kobo brand.

• Internal & External Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaising with Rakuten Kobo’s internal teams to ensure all communication needs are met regarding new and existing products, software features, Kobo Plus subscriptions, Kobo Writing Life, Kobo Originals content, and new partner/territory announcements relevant to North America.

• Fostering relationships with Rakuten Kobo’s North American retail partners to expand co-brand awareness through communications initiatives and events.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of PR/Communications agency or in-house experience with a proven track record in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, English, or an allied field.

• Experience working in public relations within North America (US and/or Canada) and confidence working with diverse regional teams is required.

• Strong communicator with exemplary writing and editing skills.

• Strategic thinker and detail-oriented worker adept at managing timelines and communicating progress.

• Ability to effectively manage a network of internal stakeholders and PR agencies.

• Experience with event planning and execution.

• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and help develop supporting programs.

• Available for occasional travel as needed.

• A positive team approach to working with internal and external partners.

Success in this role requires:

• Strategic thinking and a diplomatic approach when dealing with media, internal, and external partners.

• Strong understanding of the digital book industry and consumer technologies, particularly within the North American market.

• Creative thinking and ability to uncover trend-focused story angles to differentiate and advance Rakuten Kobo’s market position.

• A detail and solutions-oriented mindset to ensure smooth program execution.

• Ability to multi-task and triage work among time-sensitive priorities.

• A flexible team player who can support various teams and lines of business simultaneously (devices, subscriptions, self-publishing, Kobo Originals, content, publisher, etc.).

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment

• Subsidized in-office lunches

• Full benefits starting from your first day

• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching

• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid

• Lifestyle spending account

• Talent and development training budget

• Free Kobo device + free weekly eBooks or audiobook

• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions

• Maternity/paternity leave top up

• Dog friendly office