Public Relations Director

Wray Ward LLC•Charlotte, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Relations Director is a senior communications leader responsible for developing and leading integrated public relations strategies that drive measurable business results for agency clients. This role oversees client relationships, department leadership and the strategic direction of public relations programs while mentoring and developing team members across multiple accounts. The Public Relations Director is an expert in earned communications strategy and understands how public relations, executive thought leadership, influencer partnerships, content and social media work together to build brand reputation, credibility and audience engagement. This individual identifies opportunities to integrate these disciplines into cohesive communications programs that support client business objectives and deliver measurable outcomes. Public relations programs may include strategic communications planning, media relations, executive visibility, thought leadership, influencer partnerships, brand storytelling, reputation management, crisis communications, content strategy and integrated communications campaigns.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
10–12+ years of public relations experience, preferably within an agency environment.
Proven experience leading integrated communications programs for national brands.
Demonstrated expertise developing and managing influencer marketing strategies and creator partnerships.
Strong understanding of the evolving media landscape, creator economy and digital communications.
Experience managing client relationships at a senior level and serving as a trusted strategic advisor.
Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills.
Experience leading teams, mentoring talent and managing multiple client businesses simultaneously.
Strong understanding of how public relations, influencer marketing, social media, content marketing and paid media work together to achieve business objectives.
Experience using communications measurement tools and analytics to demonstrate program performance and business impact.
Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States, as it is not the practice of Wray Ward to sponsor individuals for work visas.
Wray Ward participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development of integrated public relations and influencer marketing programs for assigned clients.
Serve as the senior communications counselor to clients, providing proactive recommendations and executive-level strategic guidance.
Develop annual communications strategies aligned with clients' business objectives and measurable outcomes.
Identify opportunities to integrate earned media, influencer partnerships, content marketing and social media into cohesive communications programs.
Lead crisis communications planning and response for assigned clients, partnering with agency leadership as needed.
Ensure programs deliver measurable business impact through analytics, reporting and optimization.
Recommend when influencer partnerships can strengthen communications strategies and support broader business objectives.
Provide strategic direction for influencer initiatives to ensure they complement earned media, content, and social media programs.
Guide teams in developing integrated communications programs that leverage multiple channels to maximize credibility, reach and engagement.
Partner with internal specialists and external resources on influencer identification, creator selection, program development, measurement and best practices.
Stay current on the evolving media landscape, creator economy, platform changes and emerging communications trends.
Serve as a strategic resource for integrated communications, helping clients navigate the convergence of earned media, creator partnerships and digital communications.
Lead and mentor Public Relations Associate Directors, Senior PR Managers, PR Managers and Coordinators across multiple client businesses.
Provide coaching, performance feedback and professional development to strengthen the team's strategic capabilities.
Allocate resources effectively across accounts while ensuring high-quality client service.
Foster collaboration across disciplines including Content, Social Media, Creative, Paid Media, Client Engagement and Project Management.
Promote innovation, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement throughout the department.
Lead communications strategy development for new business opportunities and organic growth initiatives.
Participate in client presentations, agency marketing efforts and thought leadership initiatives.
Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional communications, influencer and integrated marketing services.
Contribute to department planning, staffing, recruiting and capability development.
Ensure client programs are delivered on time, on budget and at the highest quality standards.
Maintain close alignment with account leadership to ensure communications strategies support broader marketing initiatives.
Oversee program reporting and demonstrate measurable business impact.
Champion agency processes, best practices and operational excellence.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, industry analysts, creators, influencers and strategic partners.
Represent the agency at industry events, conferences and networking opportunities.
Remain current on communications trends, media landscape shifts, AI tools and emerging technologies that enhance public relations and influencer marketing.
Demonstrate exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills.
Actively contribute to the agency's culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
Communicate with confidence, clarity and executive presence.
Build trusted relationships with clients, media, influencers and agency colleagues.
Think strategically while effectively leading complex communications programs.
Inspire teams through mentorship, collaboration and accountability.
Champion integrated communications approaches that leverage PR, influencer marketing, content and social media.
Demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.