Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Professional Services)

Highwire•San Francisco, CA

9d•$175,000 - $249,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Vice President is a strategic leadership role designed for a seasoned PR professional with deep expertise in Professional Services communications. This role is critical in driving growth, client success, and operational excellence within Highwire’s dynamic, award-winning environment. Reporting to agency leadership, the SVP will lead high-impact client engagements, spearhead business development, and mentor account teams to exceed client expectations while aligning with Highwire’s core values of Fierce Distinction and Growth Mindset. The ideal candidate has 13+ years of progressive experience, a proven track record managing large, complex client portfolios across Professional Services sectors, and the ability to inspire teams and influence clients at the highest levels. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact at a thriving agency, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and grow alongside some of the brightest talent in the industry.

Requirements

Minimum 13 years of experience in communications, preferably with a focus on Professional Services PR, including at least 5 years in an executive leadership role.
Deep sector expertise across Professional Services, ideally including consulting/advisory, accounting, legal, human capital/talent, or other expertise-driven businesses, with an understanding of how these organizations sell, differentiate, and engage with their markets.
Proven success developing and nurturing senior client relationships and managing complex, multi-stakeholder accounts, including $2M to $3M+ portfolios with multiple workstreams and business areas.
Experience navigating highly matrixed client organizations with multiple practices, stakeholders, and workstreams.
Exceptional media relations skills with a strong network of top-tier reporters and editors across business media, Professional Services, and other key media relevant to the sector.
Demonstrated excellence in strategic storytelling, content development, and media placement across print, online, and social media platforms.
Experience leading integrated campaigns that combine traditional PR with digital, social, and influencer strategies.
Demonstrated success driving both organic growth within existing accounts and net-new business development.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with a collaborative management style.
Understanding of how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the Professional Services landscape and the implications for client positioning, communications, and reputation.
Outstanding judgment, problem-solving ability, and capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Experience establishing and tracking measurement and ROI for communications programs.
Passion for fostering a culture that embraces Highwire’s values of Fierce Distinction and Growth Mindset.

Responsibilities

Serve as senior strategic counsel for clients with account revenue oversight typically between $2M to $3M+.
Develop and execute innovative, results-driven communications strategies that drive measurable business outcomes and elevate client brands.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with C-suite executives and senior leaders at client organizations, acting as a key advisor and navigating complex organizations with multiple practices, stakeholders, and workstreams.
Lead complex, highly matrixed client engagements, effectively managing relationships across multiple business areas and senior stakeholders, including partners, founders, and other executive leaders.
Lead new business development efforts by identifying opportunities within existing accounts, driving organic growth, and spearheading pitches for new clients and opportunities that support agency growth and expansion within the Professional Services sector.
Leverage a strong network and industry relationships within Professional Services to identify and develop new business opportunities.
Collaborate closely with integrated teams to deliver seamless multi-channel campaigns leveraging traditional PR, digital, social media, and influencer engagement.
Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, mentoring, coaching, and developing account teams to maximize their potential.
Oversee staff performance management including setting objectives, monitoring development, and conducting performance reviews.
Act as a visible leader representing Highwire and its clients at industry events, conferences, seminars, and other relevant forums to enhance networking, thought leadership, and business development.
Manage client profitability by closely monitoring billability, resource allocation, and budget adherence.
Contribute to agency infrastructure initiatives that support operational efficiency, client service excellence, and talent development.
Drive a key agency cornerstone such as client service excellence, revenue growth, or operational improvements.
Collaborate with finance and operations teams as needed to manage budgets related to your accounts or client programs.

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