Job Description: Public Relations - Account Director

Role Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, theAccount Director (AD) will lead and provide strategic oversight across a number of key accounts with a focus on growth and client retention. Working with account teams to develop and execute integrated communications plans that exceed client expectations, the AD is commercially minded, creative in nature, and adept at building relationships. In this leadership role, team mentorship and positive motivation are imperative. The Account Director is also required to secure new business opportunities and work with the team to deliver successful pitches and PR proposals. The right candidate has previous agency experience and is an ambitious, self-starter who will be comfortable working in an ever-changing, accelerated growth environment.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Client Strategy & Account Direction

• Strategic Leadership: Serve as the primary strategic lead for multiple client accounts, providing high-level counsel and developing long-term plans that align with client business goals.
• 360 Communications: Plan, develop, and oversee the execution of integrated communications strategies, ensuring that all campaigns are cohesive across PR, social, and digital platforms.
• Client Relationships: Foster and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, acting as an extension of their in-house teams, and proactively addressing any issues that arise.
• Program Management: Lead the development of project plans, strategies, and new business pitches, ensuring alignment with client objectives and agency capabilities.
• Creative Direction: Guide the creation of impactful press materials and storytelling efforts, from media pitches to digital content, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest quality standards.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare detailed client reports with insights and recommendations, ensuring that all campaigns are evaluated on their effectiveness and ROI.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentorship: Provide effective leadership and mentorship to account teams, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Performance Management: Oversee the performance and professional development of direct reports, providing regular feedback and conducting performance appraisals.
• Resource Allocation: Work with department heads to plan and allocate resources across accounts, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
• Talent Recruitment: Assist with recruitment efforts, including interviewing and onboarding new team members, ensuring they are set up for success.

Business Development

• Revenue Growth: Identify opportunities to increase agency revenue by upselling services to existing clients and securing new business.
• New Business Pitches: Actively participate in the development and presentation of new business proposals and pitches.
• Agency Positioning: Collaborate with agency leadership to enhance the agencys market positioning, including participation in industry events, networking, and award submissions.

Client Success & Retention

• Client Onboarding: Develop and oversee client onboarding processes to ensure seamless integration and alignment with client expectations.
• Retention Programs: Implement programs and strategies designed to build and maintain client relationships, including regular check-ins, gifting, and client satisfaction surveys.
• Innovation: Continuously explore new and innovative ways to deliver value to clients, staying ahead of industry trends and best practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5- 7 years agency experience in a senior account management/director role focused on CPG brands with a demonstrated track record of success in managing key client relationships and driving business growth.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and results-driven performance.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive plans that drive client success.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the public relations and communications landscape, including media relations, digital strategies, and industry trends.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field preferred.

Additional Responsibilities

• Event Participation: Be present for media events, press trips, and other client-related activities, including after-hours as needed.
• Quality Control: Ensure all client-facing materials and communications are free from errors and meet agency standards.
• Expense Management: Oversee expense tracking for accounts, aiming to reduce costs and improve overall profitability.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required by client and business needs.
• Must be available to support events or projects that may occur outside of regular business hours.
• Physical ability to lift, move, and carry up to 25 lbs. is an essential part of the role.
• Perform other research and administrative tasks as assigned.

Sip Into Success: Our Blended Perks & Benefits

• Awesome Leadership: We're all about collaboration, creativity, and respect. Our values include playing nice, brewing big and being dependable.
• Health & Wellness: Full-time permanent employees get medical, vision, and dental benefits after three months.
• Flexible Workweek: Enjoy a 4-day workweek with hybrid options.
• Holiday Chill: We close down for a paid break during Christmas (subject to change).
• Wellness Perks: Premium Calm app subscription and access to Perkopolis.
• Work from Anywhere: After a year with us, work from wherever you want!