About The Role: The Account Director will create, manage, and execute communications strategy and media engagement for Microsoft's business, helping translate complex technical issues into clear, impactful stories. This includes partnering with clients to define and evolve the future of our ongoing innovation, research, and scientific discovery storytelling program - including alignment to broader business needs and cross-company communications and marketing efforts.
The Account Director is responsible for day-to-day client management and satisfaction, serving as the point of strategic integration and counsel for the team. This position will manage, plan, and execute on earned and owned media programs. Ideal candidates are proactive communicators with strong writing and relationship-management skills, proven critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and a passion for making emerging technology accessible to broad audiences. This role may manage direct reports.
Responsibilities: This role is a strong opportunity to lead clients day-to-day, elevate strategy and impact, manage employees, and grow at We. Communications. You'll get to work with tier 1 media on compelling stories and narratives, including shaping executive talk tracks and earned outcomes. - As the account leader, grow, manage, and maintain client relationships and provide strategic and tactical counsel.
- Lead/own projects that demonstrate strategic planning, creative thinking, and measurable business value.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations, helping identify creative storytelling opportunities and new approaches to audience engagement.
- Partner with clients on news planning and execution across project steps and timelines. Support integrated campaigns (earned, owned, social) by coordinating deliverables and tracking performance. As needed, coordinate cross-functional efforts across multiple teams.
- Engage with key, senior level media/influencers, including on proactive pitches and corporate issues.
- Monitor and analyze media coverage, industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging issues; translate findings into actionable insights and recommendations for clients and teams.
- Write and edit a wide range of communications materials, including pitches, media materials like FAQs, executive briefing documents, reactive statements, and coverage reports.
- Oversee staff resources across team and develop budget/utilization management and resourcing skills.
- Manage career development and performance of direct reports, while holding the team accountable to demonstrating agency values. Manage up to senior staff on crisis issues, and client/team satisfaction
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: - 5-7+ years of experience in integrated communications or PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry.
- 3-5 years of experience in integrated communications/PR, preferably in an agency setting and/or within an applicable industry. Understanding of communications workflows.
- 2-4 years of management experience required.
- 2+ years of experience with corporate image, issues/crisis management, and/or strategic communications across multiple audience segments.
Preferred Qualifications: - 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
- Experience working with clients within the technology or science space
- 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.
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CompensationThe base annual salary range for this role, applicable across all U.S. locations, is outlined below. The actual salary may vary based on several factors such as business requirements, job responsibilities, skills, experience, and geographical location.
Salary Range
$113,000-$130,000 USD
BenefitsAs part of our commitment to the success and well-being of our team, regular employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the following benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Pretax accounts including HSA (company match), Medical & Dependent Care FSA
- Generous time off including PTO, Holidays, Annual Wellness Break, Summer Fridays and Personal Days
- Short & Long-Term Disability, paid by company
- Parental Leave, up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parent
- Caregiver Leave, up to 2 weeks to help eligible family member with serious health condition
- Community Engagement, up to 24 hours
- Bi-annual Wellness Credits, up to $300 per year
- Support with home office equipment
- Monthly Technology Credit (to offset internet / phone costs)
- 401(k) Traditional and Roth options with company match
- Learning and Development Programs for our employees
North America non-remote employees are required to come into the office 3 days a week. 
