Account Director, Crisis and Issues Communications

About the role

The Weber Shandwick New York office is seeking an Account Director in New York to join its Global Crisis and Issues Practice. This team helps leading organizations across the world manage breaking negative issues and events affecting reputation, and develop the internal culture and infrastructure needed to predict, prepare, and navigate them effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and client relationships as key team member to navigate a range of complex, high-profile corporate issues/crisis communications situations (i.e., cybersecurity issues, product safety issues and recalls, executive leadership changes, natural disaster response, culture change, societal issues etc.)
• Serve as the day-to-day client contact – providing account support and counsel, flagging, triaging, and directly managing client issues as they arise.
• Lead data-driven industry and topic analysis to inform business strategy and issues management approach, including leveraging AI, media monitoring and social analysis tools.
• Develop and draft crisis plans, media strategies, reactive media statements, media trainings, talking points, FAQs, memos, crisis simulations and other deliverables as needed.
• Work directly with senior team leads and other practice group leaders to achieve client success and deliver industry-leading perspectives on topical issues.
• Train and motivate emerging talent and help create opportunities for their growth and development.
• Provide regular counsel to clients and colleagues and liaise with global partners to provide global market insights.
• Keep client programs on schedule and ensure all deadlines are met within budget parameters.
• Participate in new business development for the team and collaborate among practice areas at the agency in support of broader new business pitches that include a crisis and issues component.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and/or 5+ years of relevant experience in an agency/strategic consulting firm, political campaign, or similar setting.
• Experience directly counseling clients/senior ranking executives through a broad range of crises, issues and special situations.
• Expertise with the latest digital management, trends and strategy, tools, and analytics and ability to turn insights into actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with AI, next gen programs and data aggregation with large datasets to inform strategy.
• Thrives under pressure and can handle multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-oriented environment, including live crisis situations that may require significant working hours.
• Exercises exceptional judgment when working with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Communicates clearly, analytically, and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Pays close attention to detail and quality of work product.
• Adept at solving problems and resolving conflicts.
• Capable of mobilizing and motivating teams, anticipating needs, and instilling confidence.
• Experience delivering media and crisis training.
• Solid understanding of markets and issues affecting the financial and reputational well-being of companies.