Account Director, Earned Media Strategy
Weber Shandwick is a leading global engagement agency working at the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We are storytellers and content creators who engage people in brand narratives through creativity, collaboration, and innovative stakeholder engagement.
About the role
We are seeking an Account Director, Earned Media Strategy with exceptional strategic prowess and media relations expertise to support our top-tier CPG, Retail, and Food & Beverage clients. You thrive on crafting compelling pitches and have the media relationships to secure high-impact placements. With deep knowledge of top-tier lifestyle, entertainment, sports, food & beverage, and business outlets, you excel at getting stories placed—and noticed. You navigate seamlessly between traditional media and emerging platforms like Substack, podcasts, and content creators, staying ahead of trends and internet culture to help brands break through.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of comprehensive earned and integrated media programs from start to finish.
- Proactively and reactively craft compelling, newsworthy stories that drive earned coverage and tap into the cultural zeitgeist.
- Spot and execute on quick-turn, culturally relevant storytelling opportunities for clients.
- Draft high-quality internal and external-facing media materials, including briefing documents, Q&As, pitches, press releases, and messaging documents.
- Build and maintain excellent relationships with top-tier media across business, broadcast, and lifestyle verticals—including men’s/women’s interest, fitness, food & beverage, wellness, sports, and entertainment.
- Maintain a strong, real-time understanding of the media and cultural landscape, as well as emerging issues that may impact clients.
- Approach all client work with deep curiosity, consistently seeking to understand the brand, its competitors, and the broader industry context.
- Serve as a senior counselor, interacting effectively with clients and leaders within their organizations.
- Deliver consistently high-caliber work with a client-first mindset and sharp attention to detail.
- Collaborate effectively with agency and inter-agency partners to drive alignment and deliver cohesive, large-scale campaign work.
- Mentor and develop junior team members through hands-on guidance, continuous feedback, and professional development support.
- Actively cultivate and participate in new business opportunities and pitches, contributing to the growth of the practice.
Requirements
- 6-8 years of experience in earned strategy and media relations.
- Experience leading projects from start to finish, working with integrated teams across various disciplines.
- Bachelor’s degree.
Skills
- Business Acumen – align talent strategies to drive business goals.
- Client Service – client focus and ability to build trust and rapport across all levels.
- Proactivity – exhibit relentless pursuit for new and innovative talent strategies.
- Collaboration – build strong relationships at all levels across the organization.
- Critical Thinking – ask probing questions; anticipate and address critical talent gaps and needs.
- Conflict Resolution – possess sound judgment and savvy in navigating and resolving complex talent and organizational issues.
Pay
Salary range: $100,000 – $130,000 USD. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on factors including actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the company, as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.
Schedule
Omnicom’s policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, unless additional in-office days are directed by their agency or manager.