Head of Crisis Communications Team

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis•New York, NY

2d•$140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is proud to represent clients across many industries including entertainment, social good, tech and lifestyle and we tell their stories through a variety of mediums. We’re proud of each and every campaign we execute, but you may be wondering why we don’t have more than a landing page as our website. While many of our clients are household names (you know them, we’re sure of it), our digital footprint is purposefully small. We fly under the radar and we like it that way. If you are fired up and ready to do good, join us! We’re looking for an entrepreneurial Head of Crisis Communications to lead and grow our practice. This is more than a leadership role—it’s a chance to help shape a growing business and serve as a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues in the moments that matter most. In addition to being a go-to expert for crisis and strategic communications, we’re also looking for a builder—someone excited to drive the business, expand our client base through their own relationships, and mentor the next generation of leaders. So if you’re ready to grow a practice, not just manage one, we’d love to talk.

Requirements

A seasoned executive (10–15+ years) with proven success handling complex, high-pressure situations and communicates with clarity and confidence.
A natural leader who is energized by building, mentoring, and creating.
An entrepreneurial spirit with a track record of bringing in new business and growing client relationships.
A strong network of C-suite, board, legal, or industry contacts that you can leverage to build new business leads.
Someone who has deep experience guiding C-level executives, influential people across industries, and organizations of all sizes through crises situations.
The ability to work across different industries including public affairs, entertainment, technology, healthcare, consumer, etc.
Extensive media relations experience and relationships at the highest levels.
Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate difficult situations.
Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Someone with the desire to build, lead, and mentor a team in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

Lead high-stakes crisis communications strategies for clients, from litigation and regulatory issues to executive transitions, reputational threats, workplace challenges, and rapid response needs.
Be a trusted counselor to CEOs and leadership teams, offering clear, actionable advice when it matters most.
Work with Partners and senior leadership across the agency to provide strategic guidance and high-level crisis support.
Drive agency growth by bringing in new business through your own network, handle inbound opportunities to the agency, and lead the development of proposals/RFPs.
Build and expand the crisis practice—setting the vision, refining the playbook, and elevating our market presence.
Lead, mentor, and inspire a team, fostering a culture of excellence, agility, and trust.
Help lead team budgeting and staffing.

Benefits

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses.
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis offers those benefits and many perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries.
We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering.
We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).
SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
There’s more! From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success.
Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow.
We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth.
We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company.
Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Media series where media contacts provide valuable insider info for pitching them and their colleagues.