PR Account Director, Corporate Communications

Today, companies have a business imperative and extraordinary opportunity to advance communications programs and campaigns that articulate their purpose, mitigate risk and drive results. Here at WE Communications, our Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose (CRBP) offering puts purpose at the center of corporate communications, from executive comms, to employee engagement, to public affairs and crisis and issues management.  

WE is looking for an Account Director to join our CRBP team – a corporate communications ace who shines as a media expert, communications strategist, client counselor, and team leader. The right person for this role will have broad corporate communications experience including corporate storytelling, issues management, sustainability and social impact and executive thought leadership. You’ll have the opportunity to guide junior team members to deliver strong results for clients, all while working with some of the world’s most notable global brands. 

Our team is witty and dynamic, collaborative and connected - even if that looks a lot different these days (we find time for virtual hang outs and often communicate in GIFs). As shepherds of our clients’ purpose and reputation, we are experts in storytelling that wins hearts, changes minds and inspires behavior change – above all, storytelling creates opportunity and impact, for our clients and for WE. We think freely, plan strategically, act nimbly and we have fun. 

The Account Director position can be based in any of WE’s markets but there is a preference for candidates based in Chicago; New York City; Washington, DC; Austin; Portland; or Seattle.   

• Serve as a day-to-day client lead for CRBP anchor clients and expert advisor across our portfolio of corporate communications and media relations functions.  
• Serve as an expert resource across WE’s key sectors (Technology, Healthcare and Consumer), supporting existing client work and partnering closely on business development  
• Participate in activities to drive cohesion, collaboration, and impact across WE’s North America CRBP team, working to strengthen relationships, build trust and identify opportunities for business development and organic growth 
• Provide coaching and mentorship to upskill CRBP team members and support their career growth and development 
• Manage and oversee performance of CRBP team members supporting a range of CRBP- and sector-led clients   
• Contribute to an inclusive environment, lead and manage people with a human touch and in a way that brings people together creating a great place to work that inspires and motivates everyone     
• Demonstrate a consistent ability to be self-motivated and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and tight deadlines   
• Possess exceptional communications skills as well as solid organizational and leadership skills   

• Thrive in an environment with a client service orientation, including under high pressure circumstances 

• 6-8 + years of experience in  in integrated communications or PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry; 4 + years of management experience required

• Global network experience preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel)

Additional Requirements:

• Proven track record in multiple corporate comms capabilities (e.g., media relations; sustainability + social impact; executive positioning; employee engagement; crisis + issues management; public affairs; financial communications), with an emphasis on media relations and corporate storytelling 
• Experience developing and/or supporting CSR/ESG strategies and reports; certification in reporting standards/frameworks is a plus 
• Experience and comfort providing counsel to senior executives 
• Experience leading the development of communications strategy and content, and overseeing related activities and strategy execution, on behalf of a client or company working to enhance corporate reputation and maximize the impact of brand purpose 
• Experience working with geographically dispersed teams that span multiple time zones; experience working on global teams a plus 
• Strong presentation and consulting skills along with the ability to read, write and speak English   
• Consumer packaged goods and food and beverage experience is a plus   
• Ability to direct/lead teams in a fast-paced, demanding environment   
• Ability to spot trends, emerging or active issues and "see around corners” to anticipate what might happen next   
• Curiosity about what constitutes and drives news, social media engagement and broader public interest   
• Sensitivity to issues that affect clients' reputations and brands   
• Experience mentoring and growing younger professionals and a development management style/POV    
• Proven ability to write simply, clearly and cohesively and high attention to detail 
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels and skill sets    

• May need to work more than 40 hours per week on occasion

WE Communications:

WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world. We’re independent, we’re all about our people — both our clients and our employees — and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action. 

For more than 30 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals — including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose — translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible.

We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers or reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people’s lives.

Your Salary: 

The target range of base salary in all locations within the United States for this role is $104,000 - $120,000 per year. Actual salary is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to business needs, level of responsibility, skill set, level of experience, and geographical location. 

Benefits: 
- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage 
- Generous time off including PTO, holidays, annual wellness break, summer Fridays and personal days 
- 401k plan including company match and financial wellness support 
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees 

- 22-24 weeks paid parental leave when coupled with Short-term disability 

- 2 weeks caregiver leave 
- Support with home office equipment 
- Bi-annual Wellness Credits 
- Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs) 
- Community Engagement Days 
- Learning and Development Programs for our employees 

#LI-DF1  

#LI-Hybrid   

Equal Opportunity: WE provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.

Diversity and Inclusion: WE values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.

Beginning April 2024, North America non-remote employees will be required to come into the office 3 days a week.