Director, Brand Activation

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle

We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson and Revel

• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development

• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience

About the Role

As the Director, Brand Activation, this role provides strategic leadership and direction across multiple teams, guiding People Leaders in the execution of cross-disciplinary brand activation initiatives for HARMAN Lifestyle Marketing. The position is central to shaping global frameworks, content, social media, and partnership strategies-ensuring consistent and effective brand execution across all markets. The Brand Activation Director actively contributes to the development of long-term activation frameworks, processes, and standards, and is accountable for the financial performance and results across multiple teams and disciplines. This leader drives the resolution of complex business challenges in support of Brand growth and financial targets, and ensures alignment with overarching organizational priorities and strategies. This role will report to the Executive Director, Brand Strategy and Activation.

This role will have six direct reports: Director, Marketing Content; Manager, Marketing Web Content & Strategy; Director, Marketing Culture and Partnerships; Director, Group Social Media; and Manager, Agency Operations and Asset Manager; Professional Audio/Lighting Events Manager

What You Will Do

Global Frameworks & Guidelines

• Create and implement comprehensive systems, templates, and processes for integrated executional planning, social media, partnerships, and content creation to standardize best practices globally.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to ensure best practice sharing and adoption across regions and divisions.

Content Leadership

• Oversee development and production of globally relevant communication materials to ensure consistent brand execution across diverse markets.

• Champion the creation of high-quality content that strengthens brand positioning and advances business objectives.

Web & Editorial Content Ownership

• Own and curate the ideal experience and editorial content for the .com platform and evergreen communication assets.

• Drive continuous improvement of digital content to enhance user engagement and brand affinity.

Global Social Media Capability

• Design and build the organization's global social media capability, developing playbooks covering content pillars, tone of voice, and community management best practices.

• Create and maintain the global social media calendar and oversee production of relevant, impactful content for social platforms.

Culture & Partnerships Strategy

• Define global partnership strategies, negotiate and manage high-impact global partnerships, and establish criteria and terms to guide regional execution.

• Ensure partnerships align with brand values and contribute to cultural relevance and growth objectives.

Professional Events and Trade Shows

• Oversee team planning and executing global fleets, trade shows, and events for various professional brands

Asset & Agency Management

• Oversee global agency relationships and manage centralized asset platforms, ensuring regions have access to high-quality, consistent, and up-to-date content.

• Implement processes for effective asset management, distribution, usage tracking, and quality control.

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide leadership and direction through subordinate People Leaders and managers.

• Contribute to and help develop long-term functional/operational strategy, and translate into actionable annual business plans.

• Drive financial performance and operational excellence through advanced commercial awareness and industry knowledge.

• Resolve complex or unusual business problems with advanced critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills.

• Ensure broad impact on functional, divisional, or regional results by aligning initiatives with organization's strategic priorities.

• Collaborates and negotiates with senior leaders across functions to optimize brand activation impact across content, culture, partnerships, and social media.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in brand activation, marketing, or related disciplines, including proven experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams at a director level or above.

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead through subordinate managers and influence at all levels of the organization.

• Deep expertise in developing global frameworks for integrated marketing, social media, partnerships, and content creation.

• Proven track record of managing large-scale brand campaigns and partnerships with a focus on measurable results and financial performance.

• In-depth understanding of digital content strategy, social media platforms, and asset management tools.

• Strong commercial acumen and broad industry knowledge, with the ability to apply insights to drive operational and financial outcomes.

• Advanced negotiation skills and experience managing complex external agency and partner relationships.

• Ability to resolve highly complex business challenges and contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans.

• International experience and a global mindset are highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location

• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)

• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University

• Competitive wellness benefits

• Tuition reimbursement

• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you - all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we've been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

If you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. (www.harman.com)