Account Director Trailblaze (Remote)

Location: LA/NYC/Virtual

Reports to: CEO of Trailblaze / EVP of Acceleration

US: Trailblaze is not your typical PR agency. We put brands on the map with creative marketing communications, earned media, and influencer campaigns that are smart, unexpected and executed for maximum impact. Our clients come to us because they’re tired of mediocre, “check the box” approaches and want a bold agency partner that thinks differently and executes with enthusiasm and tenacity.

You: You are a creative, bold thinker and take pride in your work. You’ve spent more than a decade honing your craft as a marketer and storyteller at agency or in-house roles, and feel ready to take on more responsibility without a lot of bureaucracy. From C-suite executives and founders to A-List celebrities, you have the confidence and gravitas to hold your own. As a media relations strategist, stunt architect, campaign manager, and team leader—you bring your A-game every day.

Position Overview

The Account Director is a senior account role responsible for managing client relationships, overseeing day-to-day client account success, coaching junior account staff, and collaborating with parent company advisors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction:

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing communications and earned media strategies that align with client goals that demonstrate both cultural acumen and understanding of news drivers.
• Lead brainstorms, develop creative ideas, and pitch concepts to clients and inter-agency partners.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and competitive landscape to provide strategic insights and recommendations to clients.

Account Management

• Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients, serving as the primary point of contact.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of integrated communication campaigns, ensuring they meet agency standards and client expectations.
• Lead or participate in client meetings, preparing agendas, summarizing team activities, and contextualizing results.
• Mentor and motivate team members, providing deliverable reviews, strategic guidance, and performance coaching.
• Alllocating resources effectively and ensuring projects and deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts and contribute to new business pitches and proposals.

Media Relations

• Develop high-quality client-facing and press-facing deliverables such as strategic approaches, decks, pitches, press releases, media statements, Q&As, and social media copy.
• Build and maintain relationships with editors, journalists, and influencers in clients’ sectors.
• Demonstrate a track record of success delivering headline-driving ideas and earned media results.

Client Counsel

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of clients’ industries, products, customers, and markets.
• Provide proactive client counsel, including problem-solving and issues management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• 9-12 years of experience in account management or a similar role within a communications agency or large company.
• Proven track record of successfully managing both client relationships and peer / direct report relationships.
• Examples of developing and executing bold, breakthrough marketing and/or public relations campaigns..
• Demonstrated professionalism and poise in face-to-face and online communications.
• Excellent communication skills, presentation abilities, and presences
• Ability to craft strong written deliverables such as creative presentations, messaging materials, press releases, and executive briefings.
• Strong network within relevant industries and a deep understanding of market dynamics and trends.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and manage cross-functional relationships effectively.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.