PR Account Manager, Issues & Crisis Management

What We Need

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about helping companies protect and defend their brands, then we want to talk to you! We are looking for a smart, savvy communications professional with issues and crisis management experience to join our dynamic team that helps Microsoft address issues running the gamut from cybersecurity and geopolitical challenges, to domestic politics and corporate practices. In this capacity, the Account Manager will act as a strategic counselor to Microsoft, identifying emerging issues and determining strategic approaches and messaging while navigating media engagements to help manage high-volume and high-complexity news cycles.

What you'll be doing

• Provide strategic counsel to key clients and serve as a trusted advisor, particularly on issues that may be evolving and fast-moving.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact with clients, managing and growing those relationships in ways that help them drive internal and external stakeholder alignment.
• Develop and execute reactive communication plans
• Engage regularly with senior level media/influencers, to help; managing strategy related to unexpected news cycles and/or stories.
• Serve as a project manager across issues and the workloads of junior staff.
• Support the team on data-oriented media landscape reports and social media conversation while also furthering team proficiency in data analysis/reporting.
• Share industry POV and strong understanding of shifts and opportunities in the competitive landscape.
• Identify global, digital, and social communications trends; counsel clients/agency in understanding the importance of social media engagement
• Manage career development and performance of direct reports, managing up to senior staff on crisis issues, and client/team satisfaction while holding the team accountable to demonstrating agency values
• Other duties as assigned.

What you've been able to accomplish

• 5 years of experience in integrated communications or PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry; 1 years of management experience preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with corporate image, issues/crisis management and strategic communications across multiple audience segments.
• Exceptional media relations background with demonstrated capacity of working with global business and policy press to manage story development.
• Experience supporting technology clients or technology, business; experience in cybersecurity a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel)

 Additional Requirements:

• High level of analysis experience and ability to make quick strategic recommendations based on industry knowledge
• Comfortable with ambiguity, with an ability to pivot quickly based on incomplete information
• High level of initiative; take accountability for role on projects
• Demonstrated creative and strategic mindset
• Has established editor and/or analyst relationships and has proactively placed stories or managed media story development across reactive news cycles
• Client and business environment:  Customer service orientation is a must.  Job pressure may exist from requirement of handling multiple tasks
• Experience working globally or with colleagues in multiple locations and timezones
• Proficiency in data analysis and/or Excel, comfortable using technology tools to augment reporting and analysis
• Fast-paced team environment (frequent tight deadlines, multitasking, etc.)
• Strong presentation and consulting skills along with the ability to read, write and speak English
• May need to work more than 40 hours per week on occasion

About Us

WE Communications:

WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world. We’re independent, we’re all about our people — both our clients and our employees — and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action. 

For more than 30 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals — including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose — translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible.

We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers or reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people’s lives.

Your Salary: 

The target range of base salary in all locations within the United States for this role is $85,000 - $94,000 per year. Actual salary is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to business needs, level of responsibility, skill set, level of experience, and geographical location. 

Benefits: - Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage - Generous time off including PTO, holidays, annual wellness break, summer Fridays and personal days - 401k plan including company match and financial wellness support - 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees 

- 22-24 weeks paid parental leave when coupled with Short-term disability 

- 2 weeks caregiver leave - Support with home office equipment - Bi-annual Wellness Credits - Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs) - Community Engagement Days - Learning and Development Programs for our employees 

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Equal Opportunity: WE provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.

Diversity and Inclusion: WE values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.

Beginning April 2024, North America non-remote employees will be required to come into the office 3 days a week.