Senior Account Managers (SAM) are responsible for the quality of account service on the team and ensuring the successful execution of client PR programs, while also fostering the professional development of junior team members and establishing a strong track record of contributing to new business opportunities.
Responsibilities
SAMs are the traffic cop for all client accounts. In addition to serving as the primary day-to-day for the team and the client, they are responsible for identifying and elevating issues to the Account Director or Vice President as it relates to team performance, client happiness, and overall program success and execution. Specific areas of responsibility include:
Account Oversight

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all critical aspects of client accounts and programs including technology, markets, competitive landscape and outside influencers
• Stay abreast of industry news and trends that impact client programs and communicate with client directly on areas of opportunity and recommended execution strategies
• Serve as the primary day-to-day, establishing close relationships with clients through thoughtful counsel, while also setting client expectations appropriately
• Deliver on regular 1:1 calls with clients to discuss program success and team performance against established metrics and goals
• Lead client in-person meetings and conference calls, driving strategic discussions around product launches, tours and media execution
• Troubleshoot client issues and serve as front line for Account Director and Vice President on addressing challenges
  

Performance Communications

• Author PR strategy plans, presentations and proposals, with a focus on overall account strategy, messaging, positioning and business-focused outcomes
• Author strategic corporate and product press releases, and serve as primary interface with client on message development for significant announcements including product launches, M&As and thought leadership pieces; ability to differentiate AEO and SEO potential
• Provide counsel on all press-facing written materials including written pitches, press kit documents and briefing documents
• Provide counsel on survey and data programs that would drive meaningful and measurable impact
• Understand how to identify and target specific channels for content placement; ability to measure the impact and outcome of specific placements
• Cultivate the writing skills of junior team members by providing consistent editing and counsel
  

Media Relations

• Develop effective media strategies for client programs and work in concert with Account Manager to establish appropriate metrics to support that strategy
• Closely monitor teams’ performance against metrics, course correcting and providing counsel as needed to support team’s media efforts
• Establish relationships with top-tier reporters and editors across mainstream and/or trade media that can be called upon to deliver results for client programs and cultivate the same in junior members of the team
• Understand how to use data to tell stories and influence media conversations
• Set an example for the team with consistent media networking
  

Business Development

• Contribute to sector/practice/division marketing and positioning and to the development of strategic market positioning and new service offerings
• Provide input and ideas for thought leadership content, partnerships and awards submissions that favorably positions capabilities in the marketplace
• Develops and executes on plans to retain and grow revenue from existing clients
• Responds to and routes in-bound leads, pitches and helps win new business
• Acts as a Pitch Captain for new business pitches, managing pitch logistics, conducting research and contributing ideas.
• Works with senior leadership to set and meet specific goals that support growth, including organic growth and ‘net new’ targets; thought leadership and marketing contributions; Case studies and Awards entries
  

Team Management

• Serve as primary personnel manager responsible for the professional development of ACs, AEs and SAEs, including drafting and delivering performance reviews, conducting quarterly meetings with individual team members to assess progress, and, elevating performance issues to Account Director and/or VP as needed
• Provide leadership and direction to the team as it relates to client service, new business development, industry networking, staff training and development, and quality control
• With Account Director and/or VP, have input into team planning discussions including team structure, hiring and growth.
  

SHIFT is a performance communications agency. We're a collective of strategists, conversation starters, creators and conveners who are relentlessly focused on shifting our clients ahead. Our expert teams shape insights, empathy and sector expertise into purposefully integrated programs that solve for our clients specific opportunities and objectives. And we let nothing get in our way. We haven’t in our 20 years as an agency, which has paved the way for many communications firsts and has won us industry recognition and enviable client partners. We’re a small agency culture with access to any business resource our team and clients might need, thanks to being part of the 1,000-person strong AVENIR Global network and Padilla family of brands. Learn more at www.shiftcomm.com.
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