Derris is a brand consultancy headquartered in New York City and London. We approach our work methodically, telling stories with universal impact through strategy, positioning, content and communications. We challenge conventional thinking and seek to work with people who have an open mind for new ideas. We have a dual-pronged approach: first we help clients shape their message and then we help them communicate that story through media, only working with people, companies and causes we believe in.
ABOUT DERRIS
Derris is here to help build great brands. From lifestyle and fashion, to food, health & wellness, home & hospitality, technology, non-profit, finance, real estate, sports and more — we work with both new and established companies to develop narratives that stand out in cluttered industries. We create unique messaging and execute strategic media relations programs that blend traditionally separate practice areas to offer clients a holistic approach to both consumer and business storytelling. A few of the clients on our roster include: Warby Parker, Reformation, Cuyana, Rhode, Bombas and Starface.
In 2022 we joined Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. As part of Orchestra, we can offer services from strategic insights to public affairs—and expertise across philanthropy, travel, politics, and more. Our partner agencies include BerlinRosen, Civitas, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals.
ABOUT ROLE
Derris is looking for an Account Director that will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and day-to-day tactical execution on a variety of clients, as well as internal leadership initiatives and responsibilities. Furthermore, we are looking for candidates passionate about contributing to creating a unique company culture.
Role location: This role is based in our New York, N.Y. office on a hybrid basis. Derris staff are in-office 3 days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Serve as strategic lead for clients, leading the team within client strategy sessions and driving the compilation of strategy documents
- Serve as main contact for sensitive client problem solving and crisis mitigation
- Oversee and support team pitching efforts across broadcast, print and online
- Maintain strong media relationships and secure feature coverage across applicable business and consumer verticals
- Support the team with tactical news creation and problem solving
- Maintain pulse on client industry news and media updates within, bringing fresh ideas to the table to increase client awareness and earned media impact
- Adhere to deadlines and deliver work on time
- Communicate effectively both internally and externally across accounts
- Proactively identify client needs and business opportunities
- Participate in new business meetings and pitches as applicable
- Guide junior staff members and oversee all client activity and press materials
- As part of our Senior Leadership Team, be actively engaged in developing company culture; improving team morale, managing workload and contributing to the company’s growth as a whole
- Begin to manage a limited number of Direct Reports, increasing in scope over time
Essential skills:
- 7+ years of Public Relations experience - agency experience preferred
- Proven track record of media relations experience, including leveraging business storytelling to effectively communicate strategies to diverse audiences
- Skilled at creating pitches, strategies and talking points
- Experience in leading client relationships
- Experience in managing a team, experience managing Direct Reports preferred
- Ability to think through communication strategies and deliver tangible results
- Ability to write stylistically and shift writing styles based on client deliverables and internal meetings
- Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
- Comfortable working across a variety of industries and clients
Compensation: The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience, plus end of year bonuses based on firm, team, and individual performance.
Benefits & Perks
- Employer-sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Pre-tax Health Savings Account Savings Plan (HSA-SP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401K with a 4% employer match and no vesting period
- Free lunch 1x per week
- Generous paid time off (PTO), inclusive of general PTO, 13 paid bank holidays and 2 days for volunteer work
- Summer Fridays
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Parental leave
- Monthly cell phone data reimbursement
- Life insurance
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Continuous skills training tailored to your role
#LI-BM1
#LI-Hybrid
We're part of Orchestra, the first communications company built for today’s media landscape. Since 2022, it’s acquired nine firms, including: BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for your communication professionals. Learn more at: www.orchestraco.com.
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What We Do
We are Derris, a brand consultancy based in New York City and London—and we are hiring. As storytellers, we challenge conventional thinking. We build narratives for brands and find the best channels to tell those stories through strategy, positioning, experiences, content and communications. Since 2013, we've disrupted several industries and built brands that have transformed entire categories, including Warby Parker, Harry's, Everlane, Reformation, Glossier, Hims, Hudson Yards and Oscar. Derris Core Values: A team that succeeds and fails together. Always learning and committed to your personal growth. Supportive, respectful and inclusive. Best in class and having fun doing it. Determined and dynamic. Our company's mission is only possible with the diversity of thought that comes from the varied life experiences of the team members that comprise our dynamic community. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and brings their true selves to work each day.
