Senior PR Manager

Walker Sands•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is a rapidly expanding B2B marketing agency seeking a high-impact Senior PR Manager to contribute to its continued growth. The agency focuses on accelerating growth for clients, employees, and the B2B industry, partnering with B2B technology and services companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 brands. Walker Sands values curiosity, collaboration, and employee well-being, aiming to shape the future of B2B marketing. This role offers opportunities for professional development, leadership, and making a significant impact. The Senior PR Manager will lead PR programs end-to-end, developing strategies, executing campaigns, building media relationships, and guiding integrated programs to enhance brand awareness, credibility, and reputation. Additionally, the role involves emerging leadership within the agency, mentoring teams, contributing to the culture, and shaping the Strategic Communications department.

Requirements

4+ years of B2B PR experience within an agency setting, with a preferred focus on deep tech including IT, AI, Cybersecurity, or Infrastructure.
Deep expertise in evolving media landscape and the ability to craft compelling narratives around technical topics and engage with a mix of media types.
Proven ability to lead PR programs and teams confidently from strategy to execution.
Strong track record of advising senior level clients and managing complex, high-stakes programs.

Nice To Haves

You crave candid feedback. You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
You’re incredibly curious. You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.
You build media authority. You maintain strong relationships, understand the evolving landscape, and help teams pitch strategically and effectively.
You coach communicators. You develop team members into confident storytellers, media strategists, and client partners.
You embody agency readiness. You stay steady in pace, navigate shifting priorities, and help your team do the same.
You influence with credibility. You articulate a strong point of view, connect decisions to strategy, and guide teams and clients toward the right outcomes without force or ego.

Responsibilities

Own the development of integrated communications strategies for B2B tech clients, especially in industries like IT, Cybersecurity, data, and AI.
Build and execute PR strategies that tell compelling stories and drive meaningful media coverage.
Translate business goals and technical concepts into compelling, differentiated narratives.
Stay ahead of emerging trends in tech, media, and communications, and effectively surface these trends to internal teams and clients.
Partner with Client Services to ensure programs align with clients' business goals and deliver measurable value.
Guide teams in delivering high-impact media relations, thought leadership, and integrated communications initiatives.
Develop strong written content and newsworthy pitches that align with client's business objectives and coach teams to do the same.
Build relationships with a wide range of reporters, creators, analysts and publications to secure coverage across media types.
Maintain a deep understanding of the evolving GEO landscape and how PR can support AI visibility.
Bring an AI-forward mindset with an eye towards looking at how to incorporate AI into workflows and build new AI-first workflows.
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients through managing expectations, providing proactive counsel and navigating complex communications challenges with confidence.
Lead regular client communications, including owning and facilitating weekly PR calls and check-ins.
Build positive rapport and trusted advisor relationships with clients.
Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen client relationships.
Participate and support new business efforts.
Mentor and coach PR team members, fostering growth, expertise, and collaboration.
Contribute to department and agency culture.
Champion new tools, processes, and approaches that help to share internal frameworks that improve efficiency, quality, and strategic rigor.

Benefits

Bonus Potential: This role will be eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household, including counseling, mental health resources, and help navigating life’s everyday challenges.
Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching to help you understand expectations, grow your skills, and make progress in your career.
Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.
Award-winning culture.