Who We Are:

Derris is here to help build great brands. From lifestyle and fashion, to food, health & wellness, home & hospitality, technology, non-profit, finance, real estate, sports, and more — we work with both new and established companies to develop narratives that stand out in cluttered industries.  We create unique messaging and execute strategic media relations programs that blend traditionally separate practice areas to offer clients a holistic approach to both consumer and business storytelling. A few of the clients on our roster include: Rhode, Starface, Olaplex, Cécred, Warby Parker, Reformation, and Bombas.

In 2022, Derris joined Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. As part of Orchestra, we can offer services from strategic insights to public affairs—and expertise across philanthropy, travel, politics, and more. Our partner agencies include BerlinRosen, Civitas, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward, and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals.

About the Role

Derris is looking for an Account Director that will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and day-to-day tactical execution across accounts in the beauty space and beyond.  This role will also include internal leadership initiatives and responsibilities. Furthermore, we are looking for candidates passionate about contributing to creating a unique company culture.

Role Location: This role is based in Derris' New York, NY office on a hybrid basis. Staff are in the office 3 days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.

Accountabilities and Qualifications

• Serve as strategic lead for clients, leading the team within client strategy sessions and driving the compilation of strategy documents
• Serve as the main contact for sensitive client problem-solving and crisis mitigation 
• Oversee and support team pitching efforts across broadcast, print, and online
• Maintain strong media relationships and secure feature coverage across applicable business and consumer verticalsSupport the team with tactical news creation and problem-solving solving
• Maintain pulse on client industry news and media updates within, bringing fresh ideas to the table to increase client awareness and earned media impact
• Adhere to deadlines and deliver work on time
• Communicate effectively both internally and externally across accountsProactively identify client needs and business opportunitiesParticipate in new business meetings and pitches as applicable
• Guide junior staff members and oversee all client activity and press materials
• As part of our Senior Leadership Team, be actively engaged in developing company culture; improving team morale, managing workload, and contributing to the company’s growth as a whole
• Begin to manage a limited number of Direct Reports, increasing in scope over time 

Working at Derris

Salary (commensurate with experience and skills): $110,000 - $120,000, plus eligibility for an end-of-year bonus based on firm, team, and individual performance.

Benefits:

• Employer-sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Pre-tax Health Savings Account Savings Plan (HSA-SP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401K with a 4% employer match and no vesting period
• Free lunch 1x per week
• Generous paid time off (PTO), inclusive of general PTO, 13 paid bank holidays, and 2 days for volunteer work
• Summer Fridays
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Parental leave
• Monthly cell phone data reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Continuous skills training tailored to your role

• 6-8 years of Public Relations experience - agency experience preferred
• Experience in the beauty space, with comfortability to work across a diverse range of industries and clients
• Proven track record of media relations experience, including leveraging business storytelling to effectively communicate strategies to diverse audiences
• Skilled at creating pitches, strategies, and talking points
• Experience in leading client relationships
• Experience in managing a team, experience managing Direct Reports preferred
• Ability to think through communication strategies and deliver tangible results
• Ability to write stylistically and shift writing styles based on client deliverables and internal meetings
• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal