ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking an experienced Account Executive to support clients with Issues & Crisis work. You will collaborate within the team, provide sound counsel and recommendations to clients, and drive results inclusive of traditional and emerging public relations tactics. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of your accounts – their business, products, markets, and industry influencers. You will work as part of a team on a variety of accounts, in industry sectors such as finance, technology, business-to-business, and new business opportunities but will be expected to be comfortable leading projects and mentoring staff when appropriate.
You will succeed at Zeno if you are fearless, resourceful, tenacious, have an understanding of traditional and non-traditional PR tactics and the media landscape, and drive great results for clients while building great relationships with your clients and your team.
RESPONSIBILITES:
- Have a working knowledge, instinct and ongoing curiosity about how companies’ public affairs priorities contribute to their business strategy and reputation building efforts.
- Keep a pulse on the news of the day and identify vulnerabilities, threats and opportunities for client reputation, with special attention to brand/industry crises, the intersection of public policy and business, and various points of view on societal issues.
- Learn and leverage monitoring tools to draft issue analyses for clients.
- Strong writer who can learn Zeno’s issues and crisis preparedness offerings and provide drafts to be refined under the guidance of senior team members.
- Craft thoughtful issue mitigation strategies, including identification of relevant voices.
- Build strong relationships with client and vendor contacts and proactively manage correspondence.
- Coach AAEs and interns and demonstrate ability to supervise and delegate tasks as necessary.
- Develop and manage media relations programs both defensive and offensive.
- Communicate with your account team to keep them abreast of timelines and deadlines.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously meeting deadlines and budgets.
- Research, interview, write, and edit media materials such as: news releases, fact sheets, pitches, message maps and other media materials as needed.
- Understand general principles of business and marketing and the role of PR in communications.
- Understand key client information including general business strategy, industry issues, products and services offered, key customers and competitors in the marketplace.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 2 years of experience in Corporate Communications and/or Public Affairs; agency or fast-paced experience preferred.
- Capability to work in a fast-paced environment and under tight time constraints.
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations or another related communications field.
- Interest in Corporate/B2B, Crisis and Issues; prior experience a plus.
- Collaborative spirit and results driven but can also take the proverbial ball and run with it.
- Demonstrate the ability to think strategically and holistically about client programs - can see the big picture while also managing daily details of multiple accounts.
- Develop media strategy and plan/execute a variety of media relations programs including company announcements, desk side tours and conference outreach.
- Excellent writing skills, demonstrated experience crafting newsworthy pitches, releases, contributed articles.
- Experience monitoring for traditional and social media coverage.
- Experience working directly with clients and actively participating in client meetings.
- Has an eye for trends and pays close attention to the news cycle.
- Highly organized.
- Proven success in building relationships with a variety of media and ability to tailor pitches and approach based on client/assignment.
- Wants to learn and wants to teach.
#LI-OS1 #LI-Hybrid
ABOUT US
Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.
ABOUT OUR BENEFITS
Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US.
