Senior Account Executive, Food, Beverage + Agriculture

About the role

Padilla is seeking a dynamic Senior Account Executive (SAE) to support integrated programs within our thriving food, beverage and agriculture practice. This role involves taking ownership of day-to-day client work, program execution, and contributing to the overall team's operations.

Responsibilities

• Own execution and operational excellence: Translate strategy into clear plans, manage workflows, anticipate and resolve issues early, communicate proactively, and bring structure and momentum to complex, fast-moving work.
• Plan and execute integrated campaigns: Develop and implement strategic communications programs across earned, owned, shared, and paid channels, including digital content, social media, influencer collaborations, media outreach, and partnerships/activations.
• Manage budgets, scopes and financial accountability: Own and assist in the development of client budgets, scopes of work, timelines. Manage vendor relationships and staffing plans. Monitor work-in-progress, flag risks early, and course-correct as needed to ensure fiscal responsibility and delivery against commitments.
• Drive results through content and storytelling: Write and edit compelling digital and social media content, press materials, bylined articles, and thought leadership that reflect brand voice and strategy.
• Leverage digital and AI tools: Use AI-assisted writing, monitoring, and analytics platforms to uncover insights, streamline workflow, and optimize content for engagement and reach.
• Excel at media relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and creators. Identify trends and opportunities, craft strategic pitches, and consistently secure earned coverage across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Analyze and report results: Track program performance, manage metrics dashboards, and translate analytics into clear, actionable recommendations for clients.
• Support and develop others: Provide hands-on coaching to assistant and account executives through clear direction and real-time feedback, helping them build confidence and stronger day-to-day execution.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with others outside of the core food, beverage and agriculture team, such as creative, digital, and strategy teams to ensure fully integrated, insight-driven campaigns.
• Contribute to business growth: Participate in new business efforts by developing proposals, presenting ideas, and identifying potential opportunities to expand client partnerships.
• Stay ahead of trends: Continuously explore food media, food trends, new technologies, platforms, and best practices across the communications and digital landscape to enhance client strategies, keeping your team updated on what’s new and what’s next.

Requirements

• 4–5 years of experience in public relations, integrated marketing communications, or digital media.
• Proven success managing client accounts and leading project teams.
• A genuine interest and working experience in food, beverage, and/or agriculture, with curiosity about sustainability, innovation and the business realities shaping the food system. Knowledge of food and beverage trends, including relevant channels such as grocery and restaurants.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across formats and channels.
• Experience with digital analytics, media monitoring, and social publishing platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Sprout Social, Google Analytics).
• Interest in and familiarity with AI-powered communications tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Jasper, Brandwatch or equivalent).
• An understanding of how to balance creativity, data, and strategy to deliver measurable results.
• Strong soft skills, including sound judgment, initiative, assertiveness and the ability to manage up, down and across teams with confidence and respect.
• A proactive mindset, strong judgement and collaborative approach, with a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Proven track record of success in a similar role.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Strong writing and storytelling skills.
• Experience with digital analytics and media monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with AI-powered communications tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $65,000 - $75,000 USD.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Health insurance benefits.
• Employee recognition and rewards program.
• Work-life balance initiatives.

Pay

• $65,000 - $75,000 USD

Schedule

• Hybrid work option available.