Senior Account Executive, Food, Beverage + Agriculture

Padilla•New York, NY

39d•$65,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Padilla is seeking a dynamic Senior Account Executive (SAE) to support integrated programs within its food, beverage, and agriculture practice. This role involves taking ownership of day-to-day client work, program execution, bringing structure to complex programs, and playing a critical role in team operations. The SAE will support and shape communications influencing the future of food, beverage, and agriculture, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and demand generation. This position is ideal for a marketing and communications professional who excels at details, translating strategy into execution, and elevating team performance. The SAE will act as a liaison between account leaders and junior staff, ensuring organized, proactive, and confident work delivery. Utilizing a strong understanding of media, digital, and emerging technologies, including AI tools, the SAE will deliver results, contribute to strategy, mentor junior team members, and introduce fresh ideas.

Requirements

4–5 years of experience in public relations, integrated marketing communications, or digital media.
Proven success managing client accounts and leading project teams.
A genuine interest and working experience in food, beverage, and/or agriculture, with curiosity about sustainability, innovation and the business realities shaping the food system.
Knowledge of food and beverage trends, including relevant channels such as grocery and restaurants.
Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across formats and channels.
Experience with digital analytics, media monitoring, and social publishing platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Sprout Social, Google Analytics).
Interest in and familiarity with AI-powered communications tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Jasper, Brandwatch or equivalent).
An understanding of how to balance creativity, data, and strategy to deliver measurable results.
Strong soft skills, including sound judgment, initiative, assertiveness and the ability to manage up, down and across teams with confidence and respect.
A proactive mindset, strong judgement and collaborative approach, with a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day execution for assigned accounts by translating strategy into clear plans, managing workflows, anticipating and resolving issues, communicating proactively, and bringing structure to complex work.
Develop and implement strategic communications programs across earned, owned, shared, and paid channels, including digital content, social media, influencer collaborations, media outreach, and partnerships/activations.
Own and assist in the development of client budgets, scopes of work, and timelines; manage vendor relationships and staffing plans; monitor work-in-progress and course-correct as needed.
Write and edit compelling digital and social media content, press materials, bylined articles, and thought leadership.
Use AI-assisted writing, monitoring, and analytics platforms to uncover insights, streamline workflow, and optimize content.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and creators; craft strategic pitches and secure earned coverage.
Track program performance, manage metrics dashboards, and translate analytics into actionable recommendations.
Provide hands-on coaching to assistant and account executives through clear direction and real-time feedback.
Collaborate with creative, digital, and strategy teams to ensure integrated, insight-driven campaigns.
Participate in new business efforts by developing proposals, presenting ideas, and identifying opportunities to expand client partnerships.
Continuously explore food media, food trends, new technologies, platforms, and best practices to enhance client strategies and keep the team updated.