Senior Account Executive, Food, Beverage + Agriculture

Padilla•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Padilla is seeking a Senior Account Executive to support integrated communications programs in its food, beverage and agriculture practice. The role owns day-to-day client work and program execution, bringing structure and clarity to complex programs and helping teams deliver work effectively. It supports communications focused on sustainability, innovation and demand generation across agriculture, food and beverage brands, and commodity and trade organizations. The Senior Account Executive translates strategy into execution, manages workflows and client deliverables, and serves as a connection point between account leaders and junior staff. The position uses media, digital and emerging technologies, including AI tools, to improve creativity, analytics and efficiency. It also contributes to strategy, mentors junior colleagues, collaborates across disciplines and participates in business development. The listed U.S. salary range is $65,000–$80,000. The posting describes Padilla as a full-service communications agency operating in seven U.S. cities and, through its affiliated network, providing services through 155 offices worldwide.

Requirements

4–5 years of experience in public relations, integrated marketing communications or digital media.
Proven success managing client accounts and leading project teams.
Genuine interest in and working experience with food, beverage and/or agriculture, and curiosity about sustainability, innovation and the business realities shaping the food system.
Knowledge of food and beverage trends, including grocery and restaurant channels.
Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across formats and channels.
Experience with digital analytics, media monitoring and social publishing platforms, such as Muck Rack, Meltwater, Sprout Social or Google Analytics.
Strong judgment, initiative and assertiveness, with the ability to manage up, down and across teams confidently and respectfully.
Proactive, collaborative approach and commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
Ability to balance creativity, data and strategy to deliver measurable results.

Nice To Haves

Interest in and familiarity with AI-powered communications tools, such as ChatGPT, Jasper or Brandwatch, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day execution for assigned accounts by translating strategy into plans, managing workflows, anticipating and resolving issues, communicating updates, and maintaining momentum.
Develop and implement integrated communications programs across earned, owned, shared and paid channels, including digital content, social media, influencer collaborations, media outreach, partnerships and activations.
Develop and manage client budgets, scopes of work and timelines; manage vendor relationships and staffing plans; monitor work in progress, identify risks and course-correct to maintain financial responsibility and delivery commitments.
Write and edit digital and social content, press materials, bylined articles and thought leadership that reflect brand voice and strategy.
Use AI-assisted writing, monitoring and analytics platforms to uncover insights, streamline workflows and optimize content engagement and reach.
Build relationships with journalists, influencers and creators; identify trends and opportunities, develop pitches and secure earned coverage across print, broadcast and digital outlets.
Track program performance, manage metrics dashboards and turn analytics into actionable client recommendations.
Coach assistant and account executives through clear direction and real-time feedback.
Collaborate with creative, digital, strategy and other teams on integrated, insight-driven campaigns.
Contribute to new business efforts by developing proposals, presenting ideas and identifying opportunities to expand client partnerships.
Monitor food media, food trends, technologies, platforms and communications best practices, and share relevant developments with the team.