Media Relations Lead - Global Financial Services

Accenture•Cincinnati, OH

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Accenture is looking for a dynamic public relations professional to lead the strategy, execution and coordination of a comprehensive media relations program for Accenture’s Financial Services business. This individual will also oversee the overall media agenda for Financial Services along with Accenture’s Banking practice, working closely with Accenture’s global Capital Markets and Payments media lead and in some instances with the global Insurance media lead. This role is responsible for generating top tier media coverage in influential business and key industry banking trade publications in support of business priorities. It would involve a particular focus on helping to shape messaging around how banks, payments providers, and capital markets firms are applying AI, data and other emerging technologies to transform their operating models, modernize products and platforms, and reimagine customer experiences amid ongoing digital disruption and regulatory change. The role is accountable for crafting and placing stories that demonstrate how financial institutions can drive growth, resilience and trust by embracing cloud, core modernization, responsible AI, risk management, cybersecurity and ecosystem partnerships—illustrating Accenture’s leadership in helping financial services firms reinvent themselves. This individual will work closely with the Financial Services Industries marketing and business leaders as well as collaborate with national, industry, business and global media relations colleagues to leverage content for relevant stories. Additionally, this role is responsible for leading and implementing an executive positioning program for select Banking senior leaders, by primarily leveraging media relations, speaking engagements and strategic partnerships. Further responsibilities include protecting the reputation of Accenture’s Financial Services business through effective issues and crisis management. This role reports into the Global Media Lead for Accenture’s Industries practice and is part of Accenture’s Corporate Communications function.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Minimum of 12 years’ experience in the PR/corporate communications sector. In-house or agency
Minimum of 6 years' experience providing strategic counsel to senior leadership

Nice To Haves

Strong relationships with industry business and trade press/media influencers covering banking and financial services.
Able to leverage social media to augment and amplify media relations program.
Broad based business acumen and ability to quickly grasp Accenture’s business strategy.
Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and collaboration in professional setting.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability for media measurement tools, tactics and capabilities.
Natural storyteller with ability to connect Accenture capabilities to industry news.
Global perspective and understanding of business marketplace; quick thinking with an inquisitive nature and desire to learn about economic and business drives, the technology ecosystem and all aspects of Accenture’s business.
Able to partner with and influence executives at all levels of the organization through relationship building and executive-level presence.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic support and counsel; issues management experience a plus.
Exceptionally detail oriented yet equally flexible and agile.
Comfortable with ambiguity.
Proven ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Ability to be flexible and work analytically in a problem-solving environment.
Innovative/creative problem-solving skills.
Passion for executing deliverables and programs of the highest quality possible.
Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
Excellent negotiation, influence, mediation and conflict management skills.
Strong leadership skills—team building, supervision, mentoring.
Ability to work autonomously and independently yet integrate and collaborate with other areas within Marketing & Communications and other areas within Accenture.
Demonstrated leadership in professional setting; either military or civilian
Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration in a professional setting; either military or civilian

Responsibilities

Create an earned media strategy for Financial Services and Banking, working in synch with the Capital Markets and Insurance media leads and financial services marketing team to develop themes and messaging that align with the marketing teams’ plans as well as overall industry trends and major events. This includes managing an editorial calendar for thought leadership launches, regular byline contributions, client and third-party announcements, and navigating potential internal news conflicts.
Establish executive positioning platforms leveraging subject matter experts, including global banking lead. Coach and prepare spokespeople.
Drive the content pipeline for media relations on client stories, research and thought leadership.
Create and execute earned media strategy and plan for large global campaigns, including Accenture’s Top Banking Trends Report and Global Banking Consumer Survey
Collaborate with cross-functional team to craft proactive media outreach/briefing initiatives surrounding key industry events, including Sibos.
Monitor the competitive landscape for media mentions and share of voice, applying this knowledge to improve Accenture’s overall position in the industry.
Conduct and analyze market/competitor/influencer research as input to positioning and external marketing and communications plans.
Manage and develop professional working relationships with key journalists and client peers.
Work with industry marketing & communications team to create and execute effective social media initiatives for banking and financial services industry executives.
Ensure that industry media relations initiatives are consistent with strategic business objectives for Accenture.