This position is a senior level role within the new beauty division of leading international public relations firm, Karla Otto. The Account Director, Beauty will work in partnership with the Vice President, International Beauty and clients in their market to design and deliver strategies, programs and initiatives that support client’s overall business objectives. In this role the Account Director will also partner with the Vice President on business outreach and new client development. An individual in this role will possess substantive industry knowledge, senior level relationships with beauty media (consumer, trade and digital) and the ability to work with senior brand leadership across multiple beauty categories (i.e., haircare, skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance.) Strategic thinking and highly developed communication skills are also critical success factors in this role. A true team player and committed mentor, this individual will be collaborative and eager to share ideas and information with all Karla Otto offices and teams.

Assist and working closely with the Vice President, International Beauty:

• Work closely with clients to develop compelling PR programs that drive brand awareness and purchase behavior.
• Maintain ongoing, senior-level contact with key beauty directors, editors and associates at major long and short-lead publications, websites, blogs, etc.
• Develop pitch calendar and regularly pitch editors relevant story ideas that both align with their editorial focus and support client brand strategy.
• Direct efforts of Account Assistant, Manager and Interns.
• Develop, write and edit PR materials and secure client sign-off as appropriate.
• Manage the production and approvals of videos, photography, digital press kits, and other PR tools necessary to communicate brand image and product information.
• Develop outreach strategy for television press, including media training and spokesperson management.
• Manage budgets and ensure timely accounting and payment of all invoices.
• Ensure sample ordering and replenishment is properly managed.
• Manage PR activities for beauty clients engaging in Fashion Week including editor outreach, backstage interview, trend reports, etc.
• Partner with Karla Otto events team and outside vendors to ensure seamless execution of brand vision and deliverables.
• Ensure positive communication with clients and international Karla Otto offices
• Participate in client meetings and calls.

Additional:

• Engage in department and agency initiatives as needed
• Possess good understanding of all internal communications strategies, tools and systems to ensure alignment with overall brand messaging.
• Able to drive both internal and external communications when needed
• Acquire knowledge and skills to work with Fashion GPS within all relevant areas (sample beauty trafficking, gifting, events, database)
• Potential international travel (not guaranteed) 

• Must have an understanding of the cosmetic industry, fashion trends and pop cultureBachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and minimum of 7 years related experience (including 4+ years in beauty)
• Social media savvy and actively engaged in multiple social media platforms (Facebook Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, FourSquare, etc.)
• Strong communications skills, excellent writer and editor, confident presenter; experience pitching television a plus
• Having a visionary and opportunistic approach to new business development
• Highly organizational with strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, meet multiple deadlines simultaneously, with a good dose of common sense and initiative
• Proficiency in a foreign language is a plus.
• Prerequisites include strong managerial and organisational skills – together with the Vice President to oversee, manage, and develop all tasks and responsibilities of Account Manager, Coordinator, and Assistant
• A responsive and understanding approach to client management
• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Able to identify communication opportunities through a pro-active approach.
• Strong computer skills including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, Fashion GPS.