Account Director, Public Affairs & Crisis Communications

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is proud to represent clients across many industries including entertainment, social good, tech and lifestyle and we tell their stories through a variety of mediums. We know that even during the toughest times, our responsibility to our clients and each other can bring meaningful and long-lasting impact for those affected the most. We’re proud of each and every campaign we execute, but you may be wondering why we don’t have more than a landing page as our website. While many of our clients are household names (you know them, we’re sure of it), our digital footprint is purposefully small. We fly under the radar and we like it that way.

If you are fired up and ready to do good, join us! 

We have an immediate opening for an Account Director, Public Affairs & Crisis Communications to support a wide array of clients with proactive crisis preparedness and planning, rapid response guidance, media training, and ongoing strategic communications. This role will support a variety of companies and organization needing issues management or corporate reputation counsel across public affairs, tech, entertainment, real estate, legal, finance and healthcare industries.

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

Benefits x Perks

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis offers those benefits and many perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).

SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

There’s more!

From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow. We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Media series where media contacts provide valuable insider info for pitching them and their colleagues.