Director – Account Lead – Corporate Affairs Practice

Director – Account Lead – Corporate Affairs Practice

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field
• 8+ years’ experience, in an agency/client-facing role or in-house corporate communications background
• A background in reputation management; experience in financial services a plus
• Passion for client service and an ability to juggle multiple projects and changing priorities
• Proven ability to lead an integrated team and drive development of integrated ideas/business solutions
• Background developing and executing corporate reputation programs, including corporate positioning, internal communications, business media relations and executive communications
• Ability to partner with team to execute and measure multifaceted campaigns and day-to-day communications initiatives
• A strong understanding of traditional media, and ability to integrate campaign strategies and tactics across earned, owned and paid media
• Creative problem-solver and storyteller with superior writing skills, with the ability to develop and edit high-quality materials
• Poised and calm under pressure and a desire to immerse yourself in a client’s business to become a true partner
• Believer in a strong workplace culture, and will advocate for and contribute to efforts that enhance the environment for all
• Ability to identify and drive opportunity for growth with existing clients and participate in new business pitches with strategy, creative counsel and presentation support

Responsibilities

• Lead Day-to-Day Account Management: Oversee daily account operations for Corporate Affairs clients, managing strategic communications, client relations and program execution across client programs.
• Drive Strategic Account Direction: Partner with account leadership to develop and implement effective communications strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Provide Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor junior staff while fostering a collaborative environment across account teams.
• Build Client Relationships: Cultivate strong client partnerships through consistent communication, proactive problem-solving, and exceptional service.
• Demonstrate Strategic and Proactive Thinking: Actively identify potential problems or risks with your clients, offering thoughtful and informed solutions to clients.
• Support Issues & Crises: As an account leader, work with Golin’s specialists to provide account perspective and counsel through issues & crises as they arise.
• Manage Financial Oversight: Support senior account leads by providing financial oversight to ensure projects remain aligned with business objectives and budgets.
• Streamline Project Management: Efficiently track requests, coordinate research, compile reports, manage timelines, and mobilize team resources to meet deadlines and exceed client expectations.
• Bridge Communication Gaps: Serve as the critical link between senior leadership and support teams to maintain efficient workflows and clear communication channels.
• Support Large Scale Integrated PR Campaigns: Contribute expertise to multi-channel campaigns including earned media relations, owned, paid and influencer partnerships that complement broader client goals. Participate in IAT planning efforts, ensuring PR and earned plays a significant role in all campaigns.
• Foster Growth: Alongside account leadership, identify proactive opportunities to grow the account by blending agency innovations with client needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference for candidates located in Chicago