Account Director, Consumer

We. Communications•New York City, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Account Director, Consumer will lead day-to-day communications efforts for a global payments company, overseeing integrated campaigns spanning brand, affluent, and small business priorities. The ideal candidate is an earned media expert with strong relationships, sharp cultural awareness, deep fluency in the creator and influencer ecosystem, and a knack for spotting emerging trends and newsworthy opportunities. This individual will spearhead communications strategies surrounding major sponsorships and strategic partnerships, serve as a trusted client counselor, lead and mentor a high-performing team, and drive impactful programs across luxury, lifestyle, sports, entertainment, and consumer sectors.

Requirements

5-7+ years of experience in integrated communications or PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry
2-4 years of management experience required
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel)

Nice To Haves

Global network and IAT model (integrated agency team) experience preferred
Has established relationships with senior media with a demonstrated track record of proactively developing and placing compelling stories
Experience developing earned media strategies for major sponsorships or strategic partnerships, ideally across luxury, lifestyle, sports, entertainment, consumer sectors (payments or financial services sectors are a bonus)
Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate industry developments, cultural trends, and audience insights into strategic communications recommendations
Working knowledge of the creator and influencer ecosystem, including talent vetting, audience considerations, and integration with broader earned media programs
Strong presentation and consulting skills along with the ability to read, write and speak English
Demonstrated creative and strategic mindset
High level of initiative; take accountability for role on projects
Experience building and managing a team from the ground up
Experience working globally or with colleagues in multiple locations
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agency environment
May need to work more than 40 hours per week on occasion
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day execution of integrated communications programs across brand, affluent consumer, and small business priorities, ensuring campaigns, launches, and events are delivered effectively
Set earned media objectives and develop integrated media relations strategies that build brand relevance, strengthen reputation, and deliver against client priorities
Develop compelling story angles, messaging, and media materials; lead/action team in proactive pitching and help shape earned media and creator strategies that extend campaign reach and relevance
Build and maintain relationships with senior consumer, business, lifestyle, and trade media, as well as priority creators and influencers; proactively engage around client opportunities and issues
Monitor the media landscape, cultural conversation, competitors, and creator ecosystem to identify timely story angles, brand opportunities, and potential reputational considerations
Provide ongoing strategic and tactical counsel to clients on the evolving communications landscape and its implications for their business and brand
Integrate creators and influencers into broader earned media programs when relevant to client objectives and target audiences
Pursue and coordinate cross-account/practice and global business opportunities
Lead preparation and delivery of organic growth or new business proposal content and in person pitch meetings
Contribute to agency strategic planning initiatives
Manage account budgets, utilization , scopes, and financial performance
Oversee resource allocation across team including staffing, hiring, and onboarding new talent
Manage career development and performance of direct reports, managing up to senior staff on issues, and client/team satisfaction while holding the team accountable to demonstrating agency values
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Pretax accounts including HSA (company match), Medical & Dependent Care FSA
Generous time off including PTO, Holidays, Annual Wellness Break, Summer Fridays and Personal Days
Short & Long-Term Disability, paid by company
Parental Leave, up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parent
Caregiver Leave, up to 2 weeks to help eligible family member with serious health condition
Community Engagement, up to 24 hours
Bi-annual Wellness Credits, up to $300 per year
Support with home office equipment
Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs)
401(k) Traditional and Roth options with company match
Learning and Development Programs for our employees