Senior Account Manager, Public Relations (Health)

Highwire • San Francisco, CA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Senior Account Managers on our Health teams lead integrated communications programs for some of the most influential companies across healthcare, biotech, digital health, medical devices, and life sciences. They bring deep experience in areas such as healthcare innovation, regulatory communications, patient engagement, and scientific communications, guiding teams in translating complex health topics into compelling narratives that resonate with business, professional, and consumer audiences. In this role, Senior Account Managers oversee multiple account teams, managing both high-level strategy and day-to-day execution across media relations and integrated programs. They ensure communications strategies are forward-thinking, results-driven, and aligned with client business objectives. Senior Account Managers also play a key leadership role within the agency — mentoring and inspiring team members, contributing to new business development, and helping Highwire deliver exceptional results for Health clients. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the health media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Requirements

• Minimum of six years of experience in PR, marketing, or communications agencies, with at least one year as an Account Manager.
• Prior experience managing Health clients in an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the healthcare, biotech, and life sciences industry and media landscape.
• Established relationships with healthcare, scientific, trade, and business media.
• Proven ability to develop and lead communications strategies that drive visibility and credibility for Health brands.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts, budgets, and cross-functional teams simultaneously.
• Track record of mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Organized, proactive, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and deliver measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic media and analyst relations programs for Health clients, including pharma, biotech, medical devices, digital health, and health technology.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier healthcare, scientific, trade, and business press.
• Guide account teams in identifying news opportunities, shaping compelling story angles, and executing proactive media outreach.
• Partner with clients to elevate thought leadership through feature coverage, executive interviews, and contributed content.
• Oversee measurement and reporting of media performance to ensure programs deliver meaningful visibility and business impact.
• Serve as the day-to-day account lead for up to 5 Health clients, ensuring exceptional client service and program execution.
• Direct teams of 5–10 members, from interns to VPs, managing workflow, priorities, and team development.
• Provide strategic counsel aligned with each client’s business objectives and healthcare-focused goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key healthcare and business media.
• Oversee communications programs from kickoff through goal achievement, ensuring measurable impact.
• Set ambitious yet achievable client goals through creative campaigns and amplification strategies tied to business outcomes.
• Develop and manage monthly and annual budgets, staffing allocations, and team priorities.
• Ensure accurate client billing, expense management, and overall account health.
• Participate in program execution as needed, including writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis support.
• Serve as an ambassador for the agency and our Health teams.
• Contribute to company growth through new business development, organic client expansion, and creation of client case studies within the Health sector.
• Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences relevant to healthcare, life sciences, and communications to maintain professional development and build relationships.
• Lead at least one agency-wide training annually and participate in internal trainings as needed.
• Establish and maintain a focus area within agency support, such as digital strategy, scientific communications, or healthcare-specific communications initiatives.
• Manage up to 2 direct reports, set goals, conduct quarterly check-ins, and deliver annual reviews.
• Act as a coach across account teams by teaching, providing guidance, recognizing achievements, delegating effectively, and mapping work to strategy and client goals.
• Maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude toward coworkers, clients, and external partners.
• Lead by example and ensure teammates have clarity on roles, responsibilities, and Health objectives.
• Deliver high-level account management and strategic counsel specifically for Health clients.
• Execute integrated communications programs as needed, supporting writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis efforts.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring alignment with agency standards and client objectives.
• Support agency growth through client development, business opportunities, and thought leadership in the Health sector.

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
• 501c3 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed