Strategic Client Portfolio Lead + Team Oversight + Direct Client Leadership

Hybrid (Irvine, CA)

The Smart Agency is an award-winning public relations, content, and marketing agency serving commercial real estate, housing, investment, and finance organizations nationwide.

We are seeking an Executive Account Manager to lead a portfolio of client programs, mentor account team members, and partner directly with senior client leadership to shape communications strategies aligned with business goals.

This is a player-coach role. You will lead some accounts directly while guiding strategy across additional accounts managed by teammates.

Earned media strategy including pitching, securing coverage, shaping executive messaging, and ensuring placements support broader communications goals is central to this role.

Why This Role Exists

Our clients are senior leaders making decisions in fast-moving industries shaped by investment cycles, development timelines, regulatory changes, and market conditions.

They rely on us not just to secure coverage but to help them decide how they should show up publicly and why.

This role exists to help clients:

• translate business priorities into communications strategy
• strengthen executive positioning in their markets
• stay proactive during periods of change
• connect earned media to broader visibility goals across channels

You help shape how organizations are understood by investors, partners, tenants, and the industry.

What You’ll Own

Executive Account Managers are responsible for the health, alignment, and growth of a portfolio of accounts.

You will:

• lead communications strategy across multiple client programs
• manage several client relationships directly
• guide accounts run by junior team members
• mentor account staff
• strengthen executive visibility programs
• support long-term retention and scope growth
• ensure earned media supports broader communications strategy across channels

What You’ll Do

Lead Client Strategy

You will:

• guide communications direction tied to business priorities
• partner directly with client C-suite, senior leadership or marketing teams
• shape annual communications planning
• support messaging during moments of change or opportunity
• help clients make positioning decisions when direction is still forming

Lead Earned Media Strategy Across Accounts

You will:

• secure media placements and opportunities each month
• guide story positioning and pitch direction
• support announcement and thought-leadership strategies
• strengthen relationships with key reporters and editors
• review press releases and executive messaging
• ensure placements support broader communications goals
• coordinate with social and production teams so coverage is amplified across newsletters and digital channels

Support Accounts Managed by Teammates

You will:

• advise account leads on strategy
• monitor placement quality and account alignment
• step in when additional support is needed
• identify opportunities to strengthen or expand programs

You are accountable for outcomes even when not managing day-to-day execution.

Mentor and Support the Team

You will:

• provide writing and strategic feedback
• support onboarding of new staff
• strengthen account coverage across teams
• contribute input during hiring discussions when appropriate

What Makes This Role Challenging (and Interesting)

This role sits at the intersection of client strategy, media positioning, and team leadership.

Strong candidates enjoy:

• working across multiple clients at once
• advising executives directly
• adjusting communications plans as priorities evolve
• helping clients clarify positioning during change
• balancing short-term announcements with long-term reputation goals

Success requires judgment not just execution.

What You’ll Get to Influence

In this role, you will help shape:

• how executives position their organizations publicly
• which stories define a company’s reputation
• how announcements are framed during key business moments
• how earned media connects with broader communications strategy
• how junior team members grow into stronger account leaders

What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months

Within your first six months, you will typically:

• build strong working relationships with assigned clients
• guide messaging direction across multiple client PR / communication programs
• successfully secure strategic media placements across key accounts
• identify at least one opportunity to expand a client program

Traits That Lead to Success

Strong candidates:

• bring grit, resilience, and a strong work ethic, especially when priorities shift or challenges arise
• stay calm and solutions-focused in fast-moving or ambiguous situations
• take initiative and follow through without needing constant direction
• communicate clearly and professionally with clients, media, and internal teams
• approach work with accountability, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning
• remain adaptable and positive when plans change or timelines tighten
• support and guide teammates while fostering trust and independence
• proactively look for opportunities to add value and support team goals
• connect communications work to business outcomes

How This Role Grows

People who succeed in this role often grow into:

• leading larger client portfolios
• shaping service offerings
• managing teams or business lines
• supporting agency positioning and new business strategy

Experience We’re Looking For

Typically:

• 7+ years in public relations or strategic communications
• experience guiding multi-account programs
• strong earned media background
• experience mentoring junior staff
• comfort working with senior leadership teams

Experience in commercial real estate, housing, finance, or investment sectors preferred.