Associate PR Director

Walker Sands•Boston, MA

6d•$85,000 - $96,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is seeking a high-impact Associate PR Director to join their team as a hybrid employee in Chicago, Boston, or Seattle. This role involves leading PR programs end-to-end, from strategy to execution, with confidence and authority. The Associate PR Director will shape narratives around transformative technologies, build media relationships, and guide integrated programs to enhance brand awareness, credibility, and reputation. Additionally, this position will involve serving as a leader within the agency, mentoring teams, contributing to the culture, and shaping the future of the Strategic Communications department.

Requirements

6+ years of B2B PR experience within an agency setting, with a preferred focus on deep tech including IT, AI, Cybersecurity, or Infrastructure.
Deep expertise in evolving media landscape and the ability to craft compelling narratives around technical topics and engage with a mix of media types.
Proven ability to lead PR programs and teams confidently from strategy to execution.
Strong track record of advising senior level clients and managing complex, high-stakes programs.

Nice To Haves

You crave candid feedback. You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
You’re incredibly curious. You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.
You build media authority. You maintain strong relationships, understand the evolving landscape, and help teams pitch strategically and effectively.
You coach communicators. You develop team members into confident storytellers, media strategists, and client partners.
You embody agency readiness. You stay steady in pace, navigate shifting priorities, and help your team do the same.
You influence with credibility. You articulate a strong point of view, connect decisions to strategy, and guide teams and clients toward the right outcomes without force or ego.

Responsibilities

Own the development of integrated communications strategies for B2B tech clients, especially in industries like IT, Cybersecurity, data, and AI.
Confidently lead clients through strategic recommendations, program planning, and decision-making.
Translate business goals and technical concepts into compelling, differentiated narratives.
Stay ahead of emerging trends in tech, media, and communications, and effectively surface these trends to internal teams and clients.
Lead PR programs from strategy through execution ensuring excellence at every stage.
Guide teams in delivering high-impact media relations, thought leadership, and integrated communications initiatives.
Develop strong written content and newsworthy pitches that align with client's business objectives and coach teams to do the same.
Build relationships with a wide range of reporters, creators, analysts and publications to secure coverage across media types.
Maintain a deep understanding of the evolving GEO landscape and how PR can support AI visibility.
Bring an AI-forward mindset with an eye towards looking at how to incorporate AI into workflows and build new AI-first workflows.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients through managing expectations, providing proactive counsel and navigating complex communications challenges with confidence.
Build positive rapport and trusted advisor relationships with clients.
Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen client relationships.
Participate and support new business efforts.
Mentor and coach PR team members, fostering growth, expertise, and collaboration.
Contribute to department and agency culture.
Champion new tools, processes, and approaches that help to share internal frameworks that improve efficiency, quality, and strategic rigor.

Benefits

Bonus Potential: Eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household.
Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching.
Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.