Account Director - Public Relations, Cybersecurity

Account Directors on Highwire’s Cybersecurity team lead high-impact, integrated communications programs for industry-leading and emerging cybersecurity companies. They bring deep expertise across areas such as threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, and infrastructure protection, helping clients translate complex security topics into compelling narratives that build trust and industry credibility.

In this role, Account Directors oversee 4–5 account teams, providing strategic leadership, senior client counsel, and mentorship. They ensure communications strategies are forward-thinking, results-driven, and aligned with client business objectives while guiding teams on positioning, storytelling, and visibility initiatives.

Account Directors also play a key role in agency growth, thought leadership, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Client Strategy & Leadership

• Lead cybersecurity clients across areas including threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, infrastructure protection, and security operations.
• Develop integrated communications strategies that build brand credibility, market leadership, and trust within the cybersecurity industry.
• Provide senior-level counsel on messaging, positioning, media engagement, and reputation management strategies.
• Translate complex cybersecurity topics into compelling, business-relevant narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Serve as the senior client lead, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.
• Partner with clients on executive visibility, thought leadership, and research-driven storytelling initiatives.
• Manage budgets, forecast hours, and allocate resources effectively across account teams.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier cybersecurity, technology, business, and privacy media.
• Drive thought leadership programs grounded in security research, emerging threats, and market trends.
• Oversee data-driven and trend-based pitching strategies to secure meaningful media coverage.
• Leverage digital and social channels to amplify threat research, product news, and executive commentary.
• Stay ahead of cybersecurity trends, regulatory developments, and emerging threats to provide proactive strategic guidance.

Agency Operations & Leadership

• Manage 3–4 direct reports, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Support new business initiatives from research and ideation through pitch presentation.
• Contribute to agency marketing initiatives including award submissions, case studies, and cybersecurity thought leadership.
• Champion Highwire’s culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Represent Highwire at cybersecurity conferences, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Team Development

• Mentor account teams to ensure clarity on roles, client objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Foster a collaborative environment that supports professional development and creative thinking.
• Lead by example, maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and client service.

Success Factors

• 7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Deep experience working with cybersecurity clients, including threat intelligence, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or security operations platforms.
• Proven success developing and executing integrated communications programs that deliver measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape and security analyst ecosystem.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and client management experience.
• Established relationships with cybersecurity, technology, and business media.
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Creative, collaborative, and confident communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid