Account Director, Media Relations

At Weber Shandwick, we build brand stories worthy of coverage, conversation and engagement. We’re a passionate and diverse team that protects and promotes some of Canada’s (and the world’s) most iconic and beloved brands … and has fun while doing it!

If you’re a strategic communicator with an earned-first integrated-marketing mindset, here’s an opportunity to play a leadership role at a forward-thinking, award-winning and globally leading integrated communications agency. Weber Shandwick Canada is PRovoke Media’s Canadian Agency of the Year, IABC Canadian Large Agency of the Year (five years running), a certified Great Place to Work (five years running) and boasts the most exciting client list of any agency in the country.

POSITION PROFILE

We are currently seeking a Director to join our Integrated Media team in Toronto.

We’re looking for a self-starter who can help us tell compelling stories for our clients. The position requires a seasoned public relations practitioner with a deep understanding of the earned media landscape, influencer marketing and social platforms, and knows how to shape stories built to travel across the media and digital communities where our clients’ audiences engage.

You love the thrill of the pitch, building relationships with media and influencers, and constantly immersing yourself in media, culture and technology trends to drive impact for brands.

With 7-10 years of experience, you’ll play a lead role on integrated account teams to create strategies across earned, owned and paid platforms that transform stories into trending topics. Familiarity with both traditional media as well as digital and social platforms is key.

Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of our client’s business and target audiences, and – working in close collaboration with our Creative, Insights and Client Experience teams – lead the creation and execution of integrated multiplatform campaigns that drive meaningful business results
Weave earned media, influencer, social and paid tactics together into integrated plans that tell our clients’ stories and exceed their expectations
Oversee campaign execution, rolling up your sleeves and stepping in where required, and taking accountability for program success
Provide expert counsel to clients and colleagues on media/influencer/digital trends, issues and best practices – act as a thought leader and trusted partner who shares knowledge and expertise
Collaborate effectively with inter-agency teams to develop holistic plans and fully integrated strategies for our clients

Lead a high-performing team; mentor and develop junior team members
Play a collaborative role in staffing and resourcing to balance team workloads and ensure optimal account service

REQUIREMENTS

7-10 years of experience, preferably within an agency environment
Expert understanding of the overall media, social media and cultural landscapes
Proven ability to garner earned-first coverage and conversation on behalf of brands
Established media relationships and illustrative examples of past success

Deep expertise in building and managing media relations and influencer strategies
Outstanding communication skills to successfully present program recommendations and establish trusted relationships with senior clients
Proven experience in developing and nurturing strong client relationships
A working style that is self-motivated, well-organized and resilient to ever-changing timelines, requests and deliverables
Proven experience building teams, managing and mentoring team members and working collaboratively in a cross-functional setting
Ability to work effectively with integrated agency teams

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

Medical
Dental
Vision
RRSP (with employer match)
Tuition Reimbursement
Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
MyDays – Flexible time off
Short-Term Disability
Paid Parental Leave Policy