Account Director - Technology Practice / Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide is looking for an Account Director to join its Austin, TX team! This position will support our BMC Software account, a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions that empower companies to automate IT and align it to the needs of the business. Waggener Edstrom is the BMC global agency of record and manages the communications program for all of the Americas and EMEA, working closely with the APAC teams to ensure a cohesive program worldwide. While this position will work closely with the account team in Austin and other Waggener Edstrom offices, we are seeking someone who is located in Houston to support the client onsite at the BMC Software headquarters. We are open to considering other locations if the candidate is willing to travel to Houston on a regular basis.

 

Responsibilities:

 

•Provide strategic communications counsel to executive-level clients and serve as a strategic resource and champion to clients, based on knowledge of the client’s industry, technology and major products/services; competitors’ products and strategies; and emerging technology and industry trends/issues

•Manage client relationship and client satisfaction. Hold regular meetings and/or maintain regular phone or written contact to keep senior-level clients apprised of WE work progress, address issues that appear and, solicit feedback from clients, and assess PR results against client expectations.

•Work closely with BMC Global Account Lead to manage corporate account team (Americas) and ensure seamless collaboration and processes across global agency teams.

•Drive day-to-day management of corporate account, including planning, execution, and project management.

•Point of strategic integration and counsel for their team by managing the business and resources on a day to day basis

•Develop a thorough understanding and knowledge of clients’ business and their competitive environment.

•Manages high-level influential relationships and shapes broad industry themes, messages and storylines with key press

•Coach team and broader account staff on agency “best practices� in engaging with influentials story placement and packaging

•Identify broad trends among media and analyst communities and translate significance to team and staff and clients

•Leadership role in strategic agency business planning as well as account staff development

 

Qualifications:

Education • Bachelors degree or above in communications, journalism or related field; Preferred experience

• At least 7 years experience in PR – in an agency and/or within the high tech industry – providing public relations consulting service to high technology clients.

• Established strong relationships with business, technology trade and consumer media, market analysts and proactively placed stories

• Minimum of 4 years individual and team management experience, including experience developing a team

• Minimum of 4 years PR management, crisis management, and execution experience, including developing plans, client management, launch strategies, product positioning, pitching stories to the media, negotiation, budget responsibility, media training a client, messaging and creative tactical ideas

• New business development

• Knowledge of high tech industry and players

• International experience preferred

 

How to Apply:

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide believes its people are its greatest asset. The company offers outstanding professional development and competitive compensation and benefits.  Waggener Edstrom Worldwide also provides relocation assistance.  Please submit your resume (in a Word document only please) via our website at www.WaggenerEdstrom.com/careers  Job 3573