Account Director, Corporate (Crisis & Issues Management Focus)

Are you a seasoned PR professional who consistently drives results and wows clients? Do you enjoy working in complex issues management and helping clients navigate high-profile situations? Are you a team player who has high standards, where everyone has an opportunity to speak up, take ownership, and work directly with high-profile clients?

MikeWorldWide (MWW) has an exciting opportunity for an Account Director in the Corporate Reputation practice to work on several key accounts.

The ideal candidate is extremely proactive with high-touch client relations skills – and someone who is both experienced and willing to learn more about crisis communications and issues management, in addition to employee relations. We’re looking for someone who constantly brings strategic and proactive ideas to clients and instills confidence in their ability to lead the business and counsel senior-level executives. We are looking for a real self-starter and incredibly organized, with a proven track record of executing flawless communications programs. Someone who will teach and impart their skills, strategic mindset, creativity, energy, and expertise to junior staff.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Serve as the primary, day-to-day client contact; anticipate client needs and prepare in advance, troubleshooting clients’ problems as they arise; ensure that all accounts are strategically on target with client business objectives; and that projects are delivered on time and on budget.

· Possess experience and interest in both crisis communications and issues management with the demonstrated ability to work with clients in high-profile situations, always maintaining strict confidentiality and a professional demeanor.

· Possess superior presentation skills with the ability to lead account team strategy sessions and brainstorms and the corresponding development, planning and execution of a variety of client strategies.

· Lead regular internal team meetings and client calls, driving team agenda, ensuring both internal MWW and client teams are on track and that the team is thinking through all necessary strategic items.

· Demonstrate excellent writing skills across all client-facing and internal documents – press releases, creative pitches, media audits and research, letters and

communications to employees, video scripts and reporting, strategic recommendations, briefing documents, etc.

· Take an active role in new business proposal development alongside senior team members and work with appropriate agency resources and account teams to identify and secure incremental business opportunities.

· Manage and mentor junior team members; facilitate teamwork and learning opportunities by delegating and involving junior staff whenever possible; review materials drafted by team members and supervise media outreach.

What You Have to Have -- Experience Requirements:

· At least 6 years of experience serving in a full-time role either in a public relations agency or the communications department within a company or non-profit. Experience in crisis communications and issues management is required. Employee relations and issues experience also a plus.

· Proven track record for setting a standard of excellent and consistent work, always delivering superior client service

· Excellent process and organizational skills; attention to detail is a must as the role’s primary focus is staying ahead of the client and keeping the team focused on meeting deliverables

· Experience supervising and providing guidance to junior team members; strong team building and mentorship aptitude

· Demonstrated proficiency in writing for a variety of channels and media relations (writing releases and bylines, ability to find creative angles, developing targeted media pitches and pitching to traditional and emerging media)

· Demonstrated understanding of digital and social media and how they work together with traditional media relations

· Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with Muck Rack, Cision, Moreover, Factiva, TV Eyes and other monitoring tools

· Ability to travel as necessary contingent on client and new business needs (requirements vary)

Success Factors and Other Details:

· Maintain a thorough understanding of clients’ businesses and industries, and the industry issues that directly and indirectly affect the client

· Ability to think strategically, creatively and proactively; exhibit a facility for problem solving

· Intellectual curiosity and desire to pursue knowledge and professional development

· Team oriented with the proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently

· Interest in coaching and training up the next generation of agency talent – serve as a mentor and hands-on teacher to junior members of the team

· Participate in agency development by working collaboratively across all practice areas

· Consistently strive for personal excellence with both client deliverables and within your team, enabling MWW to maintain a competitive advantage by providing exceptional value and service

Our Benefits:

We believe in flexibility and have the structure to make that our reality. MWWLife is our robust suite of benefits, programs, and incentives designed to support our employees’ experience during every phase of their careers. Forged in the spirit of flexibility and growth, it’s about the freedom to live your best life, both personally and professionally, and embodies the culture of caring that we cultivate at MikeWorldWide.

Highlights Include:

· Unlimited PTO

· Pre-PTO

· Mental Health Awareness Days

· Friday Freeze

· Summer Fridays

· Commuter Benefits

· Professional Trainings and Workshops

· Phone and Wellness Stipend

· Offices are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day