Responsibilities:
Provide leadership for key Public Affairs clients engaged in international policy and/or domestic reputational issues.
With a strong commitment to creative and unconventional thinking, drive new business growth and development from among existing agency clients (U.S. and globally) and from network of industry contacts.
Assist clients in maintaining and protecting their corporate reputation and establishing relationships with government, policy makers, opinion leaders and non-governmental organizations around the country and world.
Serve as primary client contact on key Public Affairs accounts, ensuring the delivery of exceptional client service and the achievement of key account goals.
Manage a team of Public Affairs professionals. This includes supervising staff work in implementing client programs and agency initiatives and helping the team further develop PA and client service skills.
Oversee and manage client budgets.
Serve as day-to-day contact with influencers (media, bloggers, opinion leaders) on client's behalf.
Research, understand and anticipate influencers' interests, needs and preferences in order to provide value-added service to editors, to brief clients, and to ultimately build relationships.
Reactively answer influencers' questions, coordinate requests for interviews, and provide useful information. Add strategic context, offering competitive comparison and long-term corporate positioning.
Facilitate client meetings with media, analysts, policy makers and academics. Keep the flow of the client presentation and interview on track. Give client useful briefing prior to, as well as constructive performance feedback after, the interview. Provide clients trip reports that include analysis of meetings and indicators of future coverage.
Have active understanding and awareness of issues, marketing objectives, technology policy and products, in order to provide strategic planning and counsel to the client and media.
Develop and present comprehensive communication plans that clarify business goals, situation analysis, challenges, solutions and measurement.
Qualifications:
Preferred Education and Experience:
Degree in Political Science, International Relations or related fields
At least 10 -12 years experience working in corporate or agency public affairs with a focus on public affairs, government relations, issues management and/or litigation communications
Experience in working in a fast paced entrepreneurial agency environment, a plus.
Proven ability to drive PA accounts and manage PA business
Proven track record in developing new business
Strong leadership experience
Self confident, diplomatic and with a high level of integrity
Experience with corporate image, issues management and strategic communications across multiple audience segments.
Ability to work with global business and policy press and manage story development.
Strong understanding of policy issues (including international, federal and state level), particularly as they relate to technology and potential technology-focused legislation and regulation.
Outstanding communications skills (oral and written) and a passion
for developing and driving integrated communications strategies are a must.
Agency and international experience are a significant advantage.
The candidate must be able to work successfully in a highly dynamic environment, across multiple teams, and in concert with multiple decision makers; and make quick and confident decisions and feel comfortable setting the pace, especially if/when clients are unable to do so themselves.
The ability to form solid partnerships with clients is a key trait, as is the ability to clearly communicate and guide outcomes through effective written, verbal and in-person interactions.
The ability to handle intense deadline pressure, prioritize
multiple tasks, and manage stress are very important.
Strong writing, research and organizational skills are necessary.
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE) is a global, integrated communications agency. For more than 25 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. In 2009, WE was awarded Best PR Agency in North America by International Business Awards and Top Place to Work in PR by PR News. In addition, WE was named one of Oregon Business' 100 Best Companies to Work For. WE was also named European Technology Agency of the Year in 2008. WE has earned numerous honors for its outstanding work on behalf of clients, for its exceptional people and for its innovation in communications. The agency has more than 750 employees in 15 offices around the world, and its 15 Global Alliance partners expand the agency's reach to 30 additional international markets. WE has seven global practices: Analyst Relations, Consumer Marketing, Corporate Communications, Healthcare, Public Affairs, Technology and WE Social Innovation, along with its digital strategies group, WE Studio DTM. More information can be found at http://www.WaggenerEdstrom.com.
Our greatest asset at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide is our people. We place a high premium on those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. And when we find them, we're committed to providing an Innovation Workplace with compelling work and work environments that encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration, professional development, outstanding total rewards, and an opportunity to make a difference.
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide believes its people are its greatest asset. The company offers outstanding professional development and competitive compensation and benefits. Please submit your resume (in a Word document only please) via our website at (http://jobs.waggeneredstrom.com/jobs/264522-Public-Affairs-Account-Director.aspx
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 06/28/10
