Account Director, Public Affairs & Crisis Communications

Responsibilities Include:

• Developing comprehensive communications campaigns that may incorporate media relations, digital planning, creative content, and data analysis.
• Handling rapid response situations including managing clients, developing appropriate strategies, and engaging directly with media.
• Managing complex and sensitive client issues and seeing the client through stressful situations that will require thoughtful counsel.
• Developing and drafting crisis plans, media strategies, materials (e.g., reactive media statements, talking points, FAQs, stakeholder communications), memos, crisis simulations and other deliverables as needed
• Distilling complicated issues to a variety of internal and external audiences
• Maintaining and developing relationships with reporters and relevant stakeholders.
• Leading client accounts, managing teams, and keeping management updated on progress or concerns.
• Creating preemptive strategies and crisis scenario planning for clients.
• Conducting media trainings for executives and public figures.
• Training and mentoring junior staff on the inner workings and executions of crisis & strategy, PR, media relations, and overall work approach.  
• Participating in new business development for the team and collaborating among senior leaders agencywide in support of broader new business pitches that include a crisis and issues component

You should apply if you have:

• Extensive crisis communications and issues management experience, preferably across multiple industries
• Demonstrated a track record of supporting high-stakes crisis communications projects
• At least 8 years working in media relations, ideally as a communications director, press secretary or related communications agency experience.
• You’ve managed a team with direct oversight for at least 2 years (of those 8 mentioned above). (Bonus points if you’ve managed colleagues/projects in multiple cities simultaneously.)
• Experience working with legal teams, both in-house and outside counsel
• Experience working with top tier news media
• An entrepreneurial spirit, can-do attitude and ability to collaborate with colleagues across the network
• Experience directly counseling clients through a broad range of crises, issues and special situations
• Experience with corporate reputation, brand management and protection through integrated communications programs
• Familiarity with the latest digital trends in social media strategy, tools, and analytics – including generative AI tools
• Experience creating issues and crisis preparedness programs (e.g., protocol, scenario plans, simulations drills, workshops and media trainings)

The Ideal Candidate:

• Thrives under pressure and understands that the nature of the work requires an ability to juggle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced deadline-oriented environment, both inside and outside traditional work hours
• Can handle multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-oriented environment
• Exercises exceptional judgment when working with clients, team members, and vendors
• Pays close attention to detail and quality of work product
• Knows how to navigate stakeholders, thought leaders, and media.
• Is a strong writer – persuasive, concise, creative, and quick.
• Has established press contacts and “go-to” media friendlies 
• Is a strategic thinker, bring new ideas to the table, and loves a good brainstorm.
• Has strong decision-making abilities and accountability