Senior Account Executive, Public Relations (Financial & Professional Services)

Highwire•Washington, DC

6h•$63,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Senior Account Executives at Highwire are strategic communicators, client champions, and team leaders. On our Professional Services team, they work with trusted brands and disruptors across financial services, insurance technology, consulting, and other advisory-driven industries. They help these clients navigate complex markets, build executive visibility, and lead conversations that influence industries. They are confident communicators, skilled writers, and savvy media strategists who take ownership of tactical execution while supporting broader client strategy.

Requirements

3–5 years of PR/communications experience in an agency setting (required)
Experience in financial services, insurance technology, or other professional services industries (required)
Strong media relationships across business, financial, and trade outlets (e.g., CNBC, Bloomberg, WSJ, Business Insider, Insurance Journal, etc.)
Ability to distill complex business topics into engaging stories for diverse media audiences
Excellent writing and editing skills across formats
Confidence managing client relationships and internal teams
Familiarity with analytics tools and reporting best practices
A collaborative, solutions-oriented, and growth-minded approach

Responsibilities

Lead the tactical delivery of client programs including media relations, executive thought leadership, awards, speaking, and content.
Own day-to-day client communications and lead weekly PR calls.
Manage projects from start to finish—ensuring quality, deadlines, and strategic alignment.
Develop quarterly PR plans and campaign calendars, including trend-based storytelling and leadership themes.
Monitor industry, competitor, and regulatory news for proactive commentary opportunities.
Help lead media training sessions, including message development and all follow-up deliverables.
Assist in planning and allocating budgets and internal team resources.
Lead media efforts with strong relationships across at least 10 key business, finance, or industry-specific publications.
Proactively craft and deliver high-quality pitches that drive media coverage aligned with client goals.
Identify and share emerging media trends, journalist movements, and new story opportunities within the financial and professional services space.
Develop and execute influencer and amplification strategies, particularly across LinkedIn, business podcasts, and niche financial media.
Utilize social media channels to elevate client visibility and support earned efforts.
Track media performance and demonstrate ROI using insights and reporting tools.
Mentor junior team members to strengthen media relationships and pitching skills.
Write and edit content with a sharp eye for financial, legal, or professional services nuance, including: Press releases, pitches, and executive commentary Contributed articles, blogs, speaking abstracts, and awards Messaging documents, backgrounders, Q&As, and media briefing books
Translate complex ideas (e.g., regulations, economic trends, tech disruption) into compelling, accessible narratives.
Maintain consistent tone, quality, and brand alignment across all content.
Lead client reporting, using analytics tools to track media results and provide strategic insights.
Apply data to evolve storytelling, improve pitching strategies, and optimize campaign outcomes.
Collaborate across internal teams—content, design, social, and strategy—to ensure fully integrated service delivery.
Support AI adoption across the team by identifying tools that enhance research, precision, or efficiency.
Coach junior staff, helping them grow in media relations, writing, and industry expertise.
Contribute to a team culture built on collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.
Lead by example—managing up and down with transparency, professionalism, and drive.
Support new business efforts by contributing research and participating in pitches.
Share your expertise through blog posts, internal training, or client case studies.
Actively participate in industry events and networking opportunities.
Embrace and model Highwire’s flexible work culture.
Recommend improvements to workflows or team practices to drive success.
Set and track quarterly performance goals with your manager.
Proactively prioritize tasks and take full ownership of timelines and deliverables.
Drive initiatives forward independently and with accountability.
Seek feedback regularly and turn it into action.
Consistently meet deadlines—or communicate early when adjustments are needed.
Stay up to date on financial services, insurtech, and business news to bring ideas and context to your work.

Benefits

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
401(k) plan with employer matching
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
Paid parental leave benefits
Commuter benefits
Annual Growth Mindset Stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
Monthly technology reimbursement
Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
Donation matching program
Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
Monthly recognition and team celebrations
Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
Dog-friendly office environment
A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work