Public Relations Account Director: Emerging Technology & Consumer Finance

Derris, a brand consultancy headquartered in New York City and London, is seeking an Account Director to oversee strategic planning and day-to-day execution for Web3, emerging technology, and financial services clients. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of financial services, client experience with financial institutions, and a demonstrated interest in blockchain technology and related decentralized emerging technology. Additionally, they should be passionate about contributing to creating a unique company culture. This role is based in the New York, NY office on a hybrid basis.

• Serve as strategic lead and main contact for clients, leading the team within client strategy sessions, driving the compilation of strategy documents and client problem solving and crisis mitigation as necessary
• Oversee and support team pitching efforts across broadcast, print and online
• Maintain strong media relationships and secure feature coverage across applicable business and consumer verticals
• Keep a pulse on client industry news and media updates within, bringing fresh ideas to the table to increase client awareness and earned media impact
• Begin to manage a limited number of Direct Reports, increasing in scope over time; supporting the team with tactical news creation
• Proactively identify client needs and participate in new business meetings and pitches as applicable

6-8 years of Public Relations experience – agency experience preferred

Proven track record of media relations experience, including leveraging business storytelling to effectively communicate strategies to diverse audiences

Skilled at creating pitches, strategies and talking points

Experience in leading client relationships

Experience in managing a team, experience managing Direct Reports preferred

Ability to think through communication strategies and deliver tangible results

Ability to write stylistically and shift writing styles based on client deliverables and internal meetings

Strong communication skills; both written and verbal

Experience in the technology or financial services industries

Employer-sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401K program after 1 year of employment - We match dollar-for-dollar on the first 3%, then 50% of everything you contribute between 4% - 5%

Flex Weeks - Work from anywhere (on EST hours) for up to four weeks a year

Free lunch 1x per week

Generous paid time off (PTO), inclusive of general PTO, 13 paid bank holidays and 2 days for volunteer work

Summer Fridays

Pre-tax commuter benefits via JustWorks

Parental leave

Monthly cell phone data reimbursement

Discounted gym memberships

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

Continuous skills training tailored to your role