Senior Account Executive, Associate Practice

Edelman•Washington, DC

21h•$60,000 - $76,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Edelman Associate Practice is the foundation of our client service talent and the launchpad for early-career professionals who want to shape the future of communications. Bringing together emerging talent across communications, public affairs, and advisory disciplines, the practice is designed to develop well-rounded, integrated practitioners from day one. Associates contribute meaningfully to client work across industries and sectors—building strong fundamentals in research, writing, project management, and media engagement—while gaining exposure to diverse clients and capabilities. Rather than being confined to a single track at the start of their careers, Associates are empowered to explore, collaborate across teams, and discover where their interests and strengths can make the greatest impact. Rooted in community and driven by growth, the Associate Practice combines hands-on client experience with structured development, peer connection, and dedicated leadership support. As the industry evolves, so does the role—blending operational excellence with increasing strategic contribution and AI-enabled innovation. Associates learn not only how to execute exceptional work, but how to think critically, solve complex problems, and build the judgment and confidence that define Edelman excellence. This is more than a first step in your career—it’s an opportunity to grow alongside a connected cohort, contribute to transformative client work, and help redefine what modern communications looks like. Senior Account Executives (SAEs) are strong communicators who serve as trusted connectors between clients, teams, and media or stakeholder networks. They show emerging leadership by anticipating needs, solving problems proactively, and influencing both internal and external stakeholders with clarity and confidence. SAEs demonstrate ownership of workstreams, contribute to strategic planning, and provide coaching and quality oversight for junior staff. As they continue to build their expertise, SAEs may begin to specialize in a particular practice area based on their skills, experience, and professional goals. In this role, you will primarily support work across a global food & beverage consumer brand portfolio. Day-to-day work may include: Crafting strategic media materials and coordinating proactive outreach for integrated communications programs spanning consumer products, retail experiences and brand initiatives. Executing earned-first campaigns and activations that drive brand visibility, cultural relevance and audience engagement. Supporting product launches and seasonal storytelling through media relations, event execution and cross-functional collaboration across internal and external stakeholders. Monitoring media coverage, social conversation and emerging issues to help inform real-time client counsel, identify opportunities and support rapid response communications efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or a related discipline.
Proven ability to lead and manage multiple small or medium-sized projects simultaneously
Clear understanding of the clients’ businesses and their missions, as well as their key stakeholders: consumers, employees, investors, regulators, media, vendors, partners, other businesses/organizations, etc.
Demonstrated ability to help develop communication programming and plans, implement integrated tactics and impart knowledge to junior account team members
Able to perform well under pressure and be a team player
Strong research, writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to interact with clients professionally and maintain relationships with media members

Responsibilities

Serve as day-to-day contact for clients on assigned projects, managing deliverables and ensuring alignment with objectives.
Lead client calls, provide tactical counsel, and proactively flag issues, risks, or opportunities.
Build strong relationships rooted in reliability, responsiveness, and trust.
Interpret data and/or Strategic Planning & Program Management
Lead elements of strategy development, message framing, and campaign planning.
Oversee integrated program execution across functions, ensuring alignment with goals, timelines, and budgets.
Collaborate with creative, digital, and analytics partners to deliver seamless, multi-channel campaigns.
Write and edit high-quality materials such as press releases, op-eds, briefings, and stakeholder or policy documents.
Translate insights into clear, persuasive narratives that connect to business and reputation outcomes.
Review and refine content from junior team members to ensure quality and consistency.
Lead proactive outreach to journalists, influencers, and policymakers; secure earned media and stakeholder engagement results.
Monitor trends and provide recommendations that shape client strategy and response.
Develop and maintain strong relationships across media, policy, and industry networks.
Provide guidance, feedback, and mentoring to junior team members.
Model professionalism, collaboration, and inclusion; support performance and development conversations.
Contribute to new business initiatives through research, insights, or pitch participation.