Public Relations Account Director (B2B Technology, Cybersecurity, Financial Services)

Public Relations Account Director (B2B Technology, Cybersecurity, Financial Services)

The Account Director position is a unique opportunity to become a leader for an innovative PR agency. As a member of our management team, this individual has to be a visionary creative type with 7+ years of experience growing teams and delighting clients. The Account Director will lead 4 to 5 teams doing overseeing the development of high-level strategy with clients to ensuring team is successful with media strategies. You will also be involved in new business development and operational leadership. As a member of senior management, this individual will serve as a mentor, manager and lead example for all account teams on client management, quality assurance, staff development and strategic guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Media/Influencer Relations

• Strong relationships particularly with business, broadcast and influencer media and ability to direct staff to develop the same.
• Strong grasp and creative use of social media channels to engage and support efforts.
• Ongoing engagement of media for the agency (e.g. blog Q&A, lunch talks, etc.)
• Experience measuring the ROI of communications activities.
• Experience with social media influencer engagement, content campaigns, and media coverage amplification.

• Client Service/Management

• Deliver exemplary client service for specified clients.
• Developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the client who listens and values your advice.
• Developing a strong working knowledge of your clients' business, their competitors and relevant industry bodies.
• Identifying key messages and audiences and developing strategic communications plans.
• Delivering projects and campaigns on time and on budget.
• Understanding the financials of each account, the allocated hours per month vs. actual fee and managing the accounts according to the resulting servicing levels.
• Proactively communicating regularly with clients on status of deliverables and budget.
• Identify relevant opportunities to secure organic growth and hit your revenue targets.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with appropriate members of the media.
• Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and client needs.
• Own account management to ensure monthly client billing is accurate, client expenses are recouped, and accounts are current.
• In addition to leading strategic planning efforts, fully partake in the execution of the programs we develop, as determined appropriate by account, including but not limited to writing/editing, media relations, social media, digital communications and crisis work.
• Be an ambassador for the agency.

• Writing Proficiencies

• Ability to generate a plan for a campaign or an entire PR program.
• Ability to generate and edit award submissions, press releases, fact sheets, backgrounders, biographies, tour reports, briefing books, contributed articles, speaking opportunity abstracts, pitches, Q&As, company memorandum and general team correspondence; also responsible for their production and assembly.
• Professional, articulate and timely client communication.
• Development of consistent, creative, successful pitches.

• Agency Operations

• Maintain 2 direct reports, assist in development of goals for reports, deliver annual reviews and quarterly check ins.
• Participation in new business process including proactively identifying new targets, research and presenting at pitch.
• Identify, attend and encourage others to attend networking events.
• Maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude towards coworkers, clients, and outside colleagues and lead team by example.
• Support teams and manage up and down.
• Responsible use of flexible work policies.
• Uses Highwire social channels; writes for Highwire blog.
• Mentor junior staff to elevate development.

• Self Development

• Proactively set up quarterly goals with principal; track against goals and demonstrate growth
• Effectively prioritize responsibilities based on impact, timelines, workflow and client goals.
• Drive projects forward independently, eliminating the need for managers to consistent check in re: follow through/ task completion. Identify areas for self-improvement and bring suggestions and solutions to management.
• Consistently hit deadlines or give enough notice if you won't.
• Attends regular networking events.

Requirements

• At least 7 years PR agency experience
• Record of high academic achievement with good degree and A level results, particularly English and/or Business
• Core consumer brand PR background with some knowledge of corporate PR and crisis management
• Experience of running a reactive and proactive press office and handling incoming press enquiries
• Experience measuring the ROI of communications activities
• Experience with social media influencer engagement, content campaigns, and media coverage amplification
• Excellent publicity skills – a strong understanding of the media, editorial requirements and what 'makes' a story
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and innovative thinking
• A wide network of national consumer and business as well as regional contacts across a broad spectrum of media
• Experience in delivering impactful PR campaigns from inception through to delivery with a strong cuttings folder to prove it!
• Ability to build relationships internally and externally, interfacing at all levels
• Superior people and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Team player who works well under pressure
• Thrives in an environment of flexibility and change

Highwire Perks

• Competitive salary
• Merit-based bonuses and promotions
• Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
• Excellent vacation policy including extended break for summer and winter holiday
• Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3pm
• 401K Match
• Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
• Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefit
• Home office equipment stipend
• Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
• Technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit
• Donation Match
• Mentorship
• Monthly recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• New business referral bonus
• Quarterly Highwire fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
• Dog friendly work environment
• Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth