Account Manager | PR | Scanad Uganda

JOB SUMMARY

Account Managers in Scanad's PR team are pivotal in both delivering excellent communication outcomes and fostering a stimulating environment for team success. This role requires staying informed beyond just media contacts to ensure maximum impact for our work. Account Managers are responsible for the effective operationalization of client projects and the smooth weekly running of accounts. Proactive and positive management of client relationships is critical for success in this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Communication & Planning:

• Providing strategic counsel to clients and developing comprehensive communication plans.

• Developing and executing media relations strategies, including identifying outreach opportunities, drafting media materials, and pitching to media.

• Developing messaging and drafting diverse stakeholder communications (e.g., press releases, speeches, presentations).

• Developing and executing executive visibility and thought leadership campaigns.

• Understanding the role of, developing strategies for, and actively contributing to the development of social, digital, and audio-visual content.

• Actively managing partner and client relations for collaborative initiatives like product launches, events, and other programs.

• Participating in pitch execution, from contributing to strategy and creative development to taking ownership of project management and quality standards.

• Delivering essential administrative and organizational support to senior colleagues.

• Actively contributing to developing high-performing teams that consistently exceed client and agency expectations.

Client Management:

• Developing a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, communication goals, and strategic plans to achieve those goals.

• Effectively defining client challenges, agreeing on appropriate communication briefs, and collaborating within the PR&I team and across the agency to deliver effective solutions.

• Working with senior team members to develop overarching strategies and annual plans to meet client objectives.

• Working independently to manage the day-to-day implementation of client activities, both from the office and on-site, including promptly responding to client requests and concerns, and keeping clients informed of project status.

• Identifying opportunities for deeper, more valuable contributions to clients and collaborating with senior colleagues to realize these opportunities.

Earned Communications Expertise:

• Ability to coordinate and process basic research to understand client landscapes and cultural insights for better work.

• Demonstrated curiosity to understand new areas of culture and fresh perspectives on audiences to continuously advance our work and collective expertise.

• Comfortable working across various earned media channels beyond traditional media relations, including thought leadership and experiential activations for both consumer and business audiences.

Talent Management, Internal Relationships & Collaboration:

• Taking responsibility for effective, high-quality team communication (written and verbal), ensuring all team members and clients receive contact reports, briefs, market information, timing schedules, and minutes.

• Beginning to develop people management skills through coaching and developing direct reports.

• Effectively managing work and relationships with both senior and junior team members, collaborating efficiently across the business.

• Forming strong and enduring relationships with team members within PR&I and across the wider agency.

• Helping to foster a positive working culture while ensuring continued delivery for clients and the business.

• Strong written communication skills (long-form and presentations), with the ability to convey arguments compellingly and concisely.

• Effective presentation skills, articulating smart solutions in a straightforward manner.

• Demonstrating personal energy, determination, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Commercial Management:

• Managing the accounts billing system and contributing to financial processes.

• Ensuring all work in progress is reconcilable, projects are on time and within budget, billed promptly, and financial commitments to third parties are met.

• Ensuring the agency responds to any financial queries within 48 hours.

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL SKILLS & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in Public Relations or a similar communications role.
• Strong understanding of the digital and PR ecosystem.
• Exceptional project management skills and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational abilities.
• A strong team player with emerging leadership qualities.
• Experience in management and coaching of direct reports is preferred.
• Proactively demonstrates added value by bringing solutions to problems and delivering beyond expectations.
• Outgoing, confident, and flexible disposition.
• Natural communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Enjoys challenges and is adept at juggling multiple projects/multitasking.
• Quick learner and receptive to client and supervisor feedback.
• Shows enthusiasm, passion, pride, and commitment in their work.

COMPANY OVERVIEW – SCANAD LTD

Established in 1982, Scanad operates across three key markets in East Africa and manages brands across Pan-Africa through affiliate partners. Scanad holds the distinction of being the first and only agency to be recognized as an award-winning ‘African Agency’ originating from Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last four decades, the company has developed a sharp point of view on influencing consumer behavior across all industry segments.

Scanad is responsible for managing the strategy, creative development, design, and digital communication (including IPO communication planning) for several of the world's biggest global companies, such as Unilever, Diageo, Shell, and KLM. Additionally, Scanad partners with leading African businesses, including Safaricom, Equity Bank, KCB, and APA.