Public Relations Account Director (Security)

About us : Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive companies.

We work with high-growth technology companies and established brands looking to reinvent themselves.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives.

As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone-regardless of age, race / ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities-can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture.

We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values :

Inclusion Always

Growth Mindset

Team Empowerment

Fierce Distinction

We're looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you.

Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York, Boston, and Chicago. However, we are also open to hiring in the following states : Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

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.

If you have been waiting to discover a role that allows you to be a catalyst in a thriving, meaningful workplace, then Highwire might be just the place for you.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• This will include : 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
• Curiosity Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Wellness benefit
• Donation Match
• Full-time writing Coach
• 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

$90,000 - $125,000 a year

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography.

The duties delineated above will vary depending on the needs of each specific account, and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.

This individual will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisors.

We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. As we continue to grow our agency, we are proactively building a pipeline of exceptional individuals to connect with and consider for future opportunities.

If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today.

We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!

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