Senior Account Executive

About the role

ERM is the world’s largest pure play sustainability consultancy, helping shape a sustainable future with the world’s leading organizations. We are seeking a Senior Account Executive, Reputation Management, with experience in agency-side corporate sustainability PR and media, as well as experience in risk and crisis communications, to help grow this critical area of our business.

Responsibilities

• Earned Media and Client Contribution:
  • Act as a core member of the Reputation Management team, which is part of the larger ERM MCA Account team.
  • Develop and deliver earned media strategies aligned with client objectives; create media lists, track coverage; leverage tools and AI platforms; build and maintain trusted relationships with journalists and influencers.
  • Engage in broader reputation management strategies including monitoring emerging reputation risks and stakeholder sentiment, supporting rapid response and issues management planning, and tracking evolving media, policy, and AI-driven reputation trends.
  • Anticipate client needs, identify opportunities, and proactively recommend solutions.
  • Support development of messaging, media strategy, and crisis communications, risk narratives, Q&A documents, and stakeholder communications including preparing responses to industry issues on behalf of clients.
  • Present ideas and recommendations effectively, in an engaging, confidence-building manner, both in prepared presentations and extemporaneously in client meetings.
• Business Development:
  • Contribute to new business opportunities, including research and proposal drafts.
  • Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.
  • Support agency leadership in expanding service offerings and market presence.

Requirements

• Proven experience in delivering integrated, multi-channel sustainability PR programs for clients across sectors and geographies.
• Hands-on experience with earned media, including demonstrable relationships with journalists.
• Ability to develop and execute proactive media strategies, including story mining, positioning, and tailored pitching approaches for top-tier and trade media.
• Sound strategic judgment and the ability to connect media activity to broader business, reputation, and stakeholder objectives.
• Strong understanding of media monitoring tools (e.g., Signal AI, Meltwater) and how to use insights to inform strategy.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling content.
• Experience working in a fast-paced sustainability communications agency environment, ideally with a focus on B2B clients across sectors such as finance, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, or technology.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team; willingness to work across time zones; sense of humor appreciated.
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations effectively, in an engaging, confidence-building manner – both in prepared presentations and extemporaneously in client meetings.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in corporate communications, preferably in an agency setting.
• Requires a 4-year degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) or equivalent degree within appropriate discipline such as Business, Marketing, or Communications.

Qualifications

• Proven success in managing and delivering high-quality, integrated communications campaigns.
• Experience in crisis and risk communications, with a focus on reputation management.
• Strong understanding of media relations and how to engage with journalists effectively.
• Ability to analyze and interpret media data to inform strategy and improve client outcomes.
• Experience in developing and executing media strategies for clients in various industries.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of media monitoring tools and platforms.
• Experience with crisis and risk communications.
• Understanding of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Pay

The anticipated annual base pay for this role is $85,000–$104,000 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs.

Schedule

This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).