Senior Account Director- Arts & Culture

Purple is a unique opportunity to become a leader for a global PR agency. As a member of our management team, this individual has to be a visionary creative type with experience within Arts, Design and Culture. The Senior Account Director will be overseeing the development of high-level strategy with clients to ensuring team is successful with strategies. You will also be involved in new business development and operational leadership. As a member of senior management, this individual will serve as a mentor, manager, and lead example for all account teams on client management, quality assurance, staff development and strategic guidance.

Communications/PR Strategy, Vision and Leadership:

· Develop and implement an integrated strategic PR plan to advance PURPLE’s brand identity; broaden awareness of our business and our services; increase the visibility of our brand overall across key stakeholder audiences;

· Create public relations strategies that allow the PURPLE teams to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media, our brands and key influencers;

· Work alongside and in partnership with the SVP’s to align activities where possible;

· Lead successful PR teams and network of agencies with strong ROI;

· Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the wider organization. Work with leadership teams and other brand communications teams to recognize internal and external opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.

Creative Strategy, Partnerships & Special Projects

• Support with any production elements required to ensure the successful delivery of creative projects.
• Develop creative campaign concepts (events, brand partnerships, cultural programming, sponsorships, activations etc.) for Arts, Culture & Design clients and new business pitches
• Connect with relevant third parties (talent agents, production companies, media partners, brands, galleries, artists etc.) to collaborate on creative development, and negotiate deliverables
• Write creative decks and present to clients or partners

Communications Operations:

· Oversee development of strategic communications/PR plans and define annual global communications team budget.

· Align all strategic public relations plans with other brands under the PURPLE portfolio

· Manage relationships with all associated internal PR teams as well as a global network of agencies

· Serve as lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact our projects

· Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, prepare talking points, messaging documents, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed

· Work with the agency’s SVP’s with pitching and winning of new business accounts to amplify the division portfolio – as well developing existing business through organic growth and additional joint services across the other divisions. Be instrumental as a contributor towards creative and inspiring ideas that enhance client delivery for the agency as well as the team.

· Oversee the division’s business scheduling in regards to contracts, budgets and account for all aspects of client billing, department recharges and budget reconciliations

· Develop PR initiatives and strategies to lead the team to deliver on clients’ KPIs and objectives – balancing strategic thinking, creativity and budget

· Manage and nurture existing client relationships, ensuring expectations and set briefs are met as well as exceeded.

· To approach the role with a global vision as an astute PR, to work with all offices within the PURPLE’s portfolio, as well as external cross-functional partners.

· An integral part is keep informed and connected to the developments within the industry within oneself and to set as an example to the senior team to maintain; across communications, digital and marketing to ensure thorough, relevant agency and client consultancy is provided.

· Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding launches, special events, public announcements, and other projects

· Oversee the day-to-day activities of the PR functions including budgeting, planning and staff development

Team Development/Management:

· Manage the team to support the development and execution of the broader strategy for the PURPLE business

· Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality

· Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis in line with the PURPLE values and guidelines

· Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives and establish priorities.

Skills and qualities required:

• A track record of success within Arts, Entertainment or Design and PR focused including niche clients
• 5-7 years’ experience preferably focused in public relations, journalism or communications, together with successful public relations or advertising agency experience.

• Exceptionally strong writing skills for both media, social media, and client communications
• Articulates ideas succinctly and is comfortable with public speaking and presentations
• A “proactive” attitude, team mentality, and the ability to keep up in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional problem-resolution skills, including the ability to think creatively and prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Superior high-level media contacts and broadcast, print and online media
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills