Senior Vice President, Touchdown

Ruder Finn • Austin, TX

24d • $160,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Touchdown, a Ruder Finn company, is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Senior Vice President to lead a portfolio of highly innovative and fast-growth enterprise tech leaders and disruptors. The ideal candidate will provide strategic counsel and execution for clients in the technology sector – covering cybersecurity, cloud computing, SaaS, AI, and technology services. This individual will oversee the development, planning and execution of high-quality strategy programs for B2B technology clients, and play a key role in growing new and existing business. This is a dynamic client-facing role working with senior client executives and leaders with the opportunity to shape a rapidly evolving category at the forefront of enterprise tech. This individual will need to build strong client relationships and drive growth within an agency environment and possess a strong track record of business development and strategic account management with exceptional client service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Technology, or a related field preferred.
• 12+ years of experience leading high-impact technology communications programs, PR agency experience required
• Deep experience across enterprise and B2B technology, including software, platforms, cybersecurity, AI/ML, data, cloud, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated skill in leading and expanding teams, fostering a robust culture, encouraging accountability, and upholding high quality standards efficiently.
• Demonstrated success supporting agency growth, including identifying new opportunities, contributing to pitches, expanding existing client relationships, and helping build a prioritized target client list.
• Strong track record delivering integrated communications programs spanning media relations, thought leadership, executive positioning, and go-to-market storytelling for innovative technology companies
• Experience developing thought leadership and executive visibility strategies, including conference positioning, media moments, and industry narrative-building.
• Broad experience in advising executives and senior leaders, as well as leading teams to implement PR and integrated communications initiatives that drive business growth and distinction.
• Experience driving program effectiveness and impact, using clear metrics to evaluate outcomes, momentum, and narrative strength.
• Exceptional writing, presentation, and storytelling skills, with strong creative and editorial judgment.
• Entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset with the ability to prioritize, move quickly, and take ownership in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Resourceful problem solver with high attention to detail, capable of managing multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate closely with clients and internal teams, navigate approvals, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management Partner with the Global Managing Director to lead and grow the US Technology Practice, positioning Touchdown as an authority in the most important conversations shaping technology today.
• Serve as a culture champion by managing, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams with a focus on quality, accountability, and career progression.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders across both Touchdown and Ruder Finn to drive integrated thinking, shared priorities, and strong execution.
• Allocate workload, capacity, and resources effectively to support client needs and team performance.
• Act as the expert leader on client teams, bringing deep industry knowledge that directly and indirectly impacts client success.
• Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel Act as a senior client leader and trusted advisor, engaging directly with clients to provide executive-level counsel and strategic thinking.
• Provide forward-thinking insights to solve complex client business challenges across enterprise, software, hardware, cybersecurity, AI/ML, VR, transportation, and emerging technologies.
• Take a consultative approach to designing, selling, and executing integrated communications programs using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Navigate complex client environments by speaking the languages of communications, marketing, business, and research, tailoring messages to audiences of all levels and expertise.
• Maintain a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, industries, and the broader issues and trends influencing them.
• Practice Growth & Business Development Partner with the Global Managing Director to support the growth and continued importance of Technology Practice as a key pillar of the agency.
• Identify and nurture opportunities for organic growth and incremental business expansion within existing client relationships.
• Generate and advance new business opportunities, including contributing to the development of a prioritized “dream client” target list.
• Play a leadership role in new business pitches and proposals, including national and multi-market engagements, in partnership with senior leadership.
• Contribute to practice growth by introducing clients to new capabilities and helping shape new offerings driven by market shifts and emerging analytics.
• Thought Leadership, Media & Executive Visibility Partner with the Global Managing Director to shape thought leadership, positioning, and messaging platforms that elevate Technology Practice.
• Lead US-facing media relations and executive visibility strategies, applying and cultivating strong relationships with top-tier technology, business, trade and emerging media such as Substacks, podcasts and more.
• Maintain and leverage relationships with key analysts, journalists, and influencers who shape narratives around emerging enterprise technologies.
• Develop and execute executive visibility strategies tied to major technology conferences and forums.
• Communications Excellence Oversee and contribute to the development of high-quality communications materials, including press releases, bylined articles, speeches, reports, and client correspondence.
• Ensure all work reflects strong strategic thinking, creativity, attention to detail, and high production standards.
• Evaluate communications opportunities for senior business leaders while clearly articulating and advancing organizational positions on key issues.

Benefits

• As a Senior Vice President you will receive a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity
• Eligibility for our Health, Dental, Vision, company paid Life Insurance Plans, Flexible Spending Account, as well as 401k (match) plan.
• Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, etc.
• Generous PTO policy with paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Workplace flexibility
• On-site and off-site social gatherings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive