THE POSITION

The Senior Account Executive (SAE), Public Relations at H&S is responsible for daily management of client programs as well as the day-to-day communication with H&S Communications Lifestyle & Fashion clients. The Senior Account Executive operates with a high degree of independence and must demonstrate consistent strategic thinking across programs and team management.

This role reports to the Account Supervisor, HS Connect and is an exempt, salaried position.

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WORKPLACE TYPE  

H&S operates as a hybrid, in-office/remote organization. All employees residing in the New York City area must be open and flexible to working from the H&S NYC office a minimum of three (3) days per week.    

MORE ABOUT H&S COMMUNICATIONS  

H&S Communications is a 100% woman-owned, diverse and privately held entity. A preferred partner of the Omnicom Media Company network - H&S Communications is an integrated marketing communications agency that offers fresh thinking, flawless execution and global access. H&S is comprised of an award-winning team of Curious, Creative and Connected strategists, cultural explorers, experience makers, community builders and compelling storytellers. With diversity at our core: 70% of our senior leadership and 50% of our junior staff represent a multifarious mix of race, ethnicity, gender, religions, abilities, and perspectives.  

Our honors include: PR News’ 2022 The Agency Elite Top 100. 2x PRovoke Agency of Year (2022 and 2019).  2022 Ragan’s CSR and Diversity Awards. 2020 PR News Best Places to Work. 2020 Creativepool Best Places to Work. PR Week’s 2020 Purpose Awards. PR Daily’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Award. 2020 Observer PR 50 List. 2019 Biz Bash Events Style Awards Finalist. 2018 CLIO Awards winner. 2x Webby Awards and 4x Bronze Cannes Lions winner. As well as connecting New York City Public School students to success by serving as hands-on Pencil mentors.  

Rooted in luxury, fashion, hospitality, entertainment, food, and beverage – the agency specializes in cross-cultural marketing, media, talent and influencer relations, visual and technical production. With a pulse on trends, culture and varying perspectives, we help to reinvent, reimage and transform brands while bridging long-lasting consumer connections.  

H&S Communications is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, color, religion, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  

CLIENT & ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

• Proactively consults clients about implementing new ways to meet their needs through a deep understanding of H&S’ industry capabilities, including specialty offerings (StudioHS)
• Understand the clients’ business needs, goals, and competitive environments; positioned as a day-to-day client contact and trusted advisor; provides counsel.
• Anticipate clients’ needs and gather information proactively, in a professional and timely manner to share with the account team.
• Deliver high quality written content; ability to draft press materials including media releases, fact sheets, pitch notes, pitch emails, client correspondence, press releases, media lists, blog posts, social media content and reports.
• Ability to decode culture to concept, craft media relations briefs that generate persuasive and shareable earned coverage (e.g., editorial, and social), remaining on top of industry, social and cultural trends.
• Draft strategic project recommendations and programs to achieve clients’ business goals.
• Lead in the execution of account activities including virtual and in-person experiences, media and influencer events, media relations, social media, desk-side briefings, and program implementation.
• Responsible for building and maintaining strong press relationships with national business, consumer, lifestyle trade publications, as well as mainstream editors, to create and place compelling stories that yield relevant media coverage and content.
• Conduct regular media outreach and secure top tier placements across client portfolio.
• Continue to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, key stakeholders, clients, media and influencers.
• Mastery of agency tools (e.g., Cision, Muckrack), emerging social media platforms, understanding of influencer marketing, earned and paid media approach.
• Oversee junior team deliverables to ensure the highest quality of work on time and on budget; manage-up to provide timely progress reports anticipating issues.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Support team with new business initiatives, including: 

                        o Coordinating meetings

                        o Conduct media and influencer branded and competitive audits.

                        o Lead in the development and design process for proposals and other materials for pitches.

                        o Collaborate and liaise with design and internal account teams.

                        o Strengthen network of contacts for a competitive client advantage, new business, and talent attraction for the agency.

                        o Identify incremental client opportunities, raising them to management and/or senior leadership.

                        o Contribute to thought leadership activities.

LEADERSHIP

• Team-player: Participate in office and agency activities.
• Help to shape, drive, and elevate company culture.
• Take accountability for personal development and growth areas; focus on self-development and contribute to learning moments.
• Continue to develop a deeper understanding of agency capabilities and strategic initiatives.
• Recognize and celebrate other’s successes, giving credit where credit is due.
• Help to grow and retain talent by providing support, guidance, and constructive feedback to junior level staff.
• Seek opportunities to have a visible role within your account team and/or practice area.
• Operate with ethics and integrity.
• Understands, values, and champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.

FINANCIAL & AGENCY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT   

• Maintain compliance with the agency’s daily time entry process, expense report policy, and all agency processes and procedures.
• Enter time daily and effectively utilize time tracking system.
• Meet utilization goals, manage-up and communicate under/over utilization to direct supervisor.
• Verify billing accuracy; process and monitor invoices and PO’s, flagging any accounts payable issues to direct supervisor.
• Assist with budget development process from creation to reconciliation, staffing plans, fee estimates, and all account related financial matters. 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; three to five (3-5) years relevant work experience; agency experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Highly proficient with all relevant software programs- in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Developed presentation skills and delivery skills; design and presentation abilities (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote and Adobe Suite), a plus.
• Highly developed understanding of media (outlets, terminology, editors, reporters, photographers).
• Thrives in fast-paced environments and can work long and flexible hours; may potentially include working evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Travel may be required as needed for client work.
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to “take the next step.”
• Possesses ability to identify issues and develop solutions.
• Desire to learn about all areas of the agency’s business.
• Able to handle a busy workload, prioritize and be flexible.
• Strong attention-to-detail, organization, and time management skills.