Account Manager

What We Need

The Account Manager will be a vital member of a team responsible for managing issues and executing PR campaigns for Microsoft on topics that are at the intersection of policy, law, litigation, and technology. This person’s greatest strengths will be the ability to strategize, partner, and help run major media relations motions and moments (proactive and reactive) that advance the company’s goals, and to pivot quickly to help defend against reputational threats and reinforce Microsoft’s reputation.

In this role, the Account Manager will act as a strategic counselor to Microsoft, working to develop messaging and strategy, engaging with hands-on media relations, and helping navigate complicated and high-volume news cycles.

The ideal candidate will have experience with supporting public policy campaigns and/or issue-based media relations. You are someone who understands the importance of knowing your audience and loves to find creative ways to reach them. You value making the complex simple and understand how to get ahead of potential problems.

What you’ll be doing

Job Functions:

1. Lead/own projects that demonstrate strategic planning and creative thinking as well as drive news.
2. Partner with clients to establish and execute communications plans to support objectives.
3. Manage, coach, and mentor junior members of the team; particularly around project management for reporting and media engagement.
4. Grow, manage, and maintain client relationships with key media/influencers.
5. Provide strategic counsel to clients for managing reactive media cycles. Help draft statements and messaging and manage engagements with reporters.
6. Report regularly on media coverage on various topics and competitive developments to provide clients with an accurate view of the media landscape.
7. Leverage understanding of the public policy landscape to provide guidance and insights on media efforts to shape policy and regulatory issues in the US and elsewhere (EU, UK, etc.)
8. Monitor media cycles and trends to identify opportunities and threats for clients.
9. Work across internal, external, and client teams on various projects.
10. Help develop and execute integrated communication plans in partnership with clients and agency executives.
11. Other duties as assigned.

What you’ve been able to accomplish

Minimum/Preferred Requirements:

• 4-5 + years of experience in integrated communications or PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry; 2 + years of management experience preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with public affairs, corporate image, issues/crisis management or 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel)

Additional Requirements:

• High level of analysis and strategic recommendations based on industry knowledge
• 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
• Made presentations to groups of all sizes; pitched new business
• 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
• 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
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

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 September 2023, North America employees will be asked to come into the office on Tuesdays only.

Learn more here