Waggener Edstrom: Public Relations/PR Account Executive/Senior Account Executive

Overview
Waggener Edstrom, one of the world’s largest independent integrated communications agencies, is looking for driven professionals to join our highly successful office in Johannesburg. With offices in central Joburg we are keen to bolster our ranks with a talented PR/Public Relations Senior Account Executive.

Our South Africa office is one of 19 across the globe, and it’s expanding rapidly. We work across time zones and continents. Our clients are innovative and so is our work – and importantly, our employees come first.

We are currently looking for a first-rate public relations operator to assume responsibility across established technology brands; providing insightful client counsel, a deep understanding of the technology sector and passion for business writing.

Responsibilities
Influencer Engagement
• Identify, build & grow relationships with media/influencers; begin to have exposure to key senior level influencers
• Identify, develop & pitch stories
• Drive strategic recommendations for outreach in integrated marketing or other campaign tactics to impact client/business narrative
• Continue to deepen knowledge of global influencers

 

Digital & Social Media Acumen
• Partner with the agency’s social/digital leads to drive news strategies
• Lead integrating fresh thinking for social media brainstorms & campaign development
• Oversee account activity & engagements with the agency’s social/digital divisions
• Responsible for consistency of voice/tone among the client’s different social media properties
• Manage the social editorial calendar (& integration with marketing calendar – newsletters, website updates, etc.)

 

Client Engagement
• Anticipate client communication challenges & develop recommendations
• Consistently provide strategic & tactical counsel that maps to client’s business problem
• Serve as primary day-to-day contact with clients; proactively engage on issues
• Manage projects and news announcements with little guidance
• Report issues with scope of work to leads & make recommendations on ways to resolve

 

Business Acumen & Strategic Thinking
• Develop & execute integrated communication plans with little guidance
• Coach staff and lead by example regarding utilization management & the impact to team/agency

 

New Business Development
• Proactively assist team leadership in growing & diversifying existing account beyond current scope
• Identify & create relationships that are mutually beneficial for the agency & clients
• Participate in preparation & delivery of organic growth or new business proposal content & in-person pitch meetings

 

People Leadership
• Coach & train junior level staff
• Manage up & educate more senior staff on day-to-day business & account health
• May assist in interview & new hire process

 

 

Qualifications

• Strong experience in communications, preferably in an agency setting &/or within applicable industry
• Ability to drive client relationships, providing strategic & tactical advice, drafting/executing plans, providing thoughtful analysis, identifying proactive opportunities, crafting materials, tracking coverage
• Has established influential relationships & proactively placed stories
• Demonstrated ability to establish strong client relationships
• Strong organizational skills & ability to multi-task, work in a team environment, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in computers & standard office applications (Microsoft Office is preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree or above preferred in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English or related field
*LI-WE

How to Apply

Click here to apply online