Director of PR & Communications
July 1, 2022
The Director of PR & Communications will work in a strategic capacity to lead and grow the public relations (PR) and communications department of Nickerson, while also pursuing opportunities to expand business. This individual with have a passion for strategy and will be responsible for orchestrating all communications and public relations efforts for our client-partners. Overseeing our PR & Communications team, this leader will build and refine client-partner narratives for key audiences, collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to execute all public relations campaigns, allowing us to effectively communicate client-partner stories, furthering their business objectives and brand goals. The Director will also be responsible for strategic support for integrated campaigns, collaborating with Nickerson’s creative services, events, and social media teams.
Responsibilities:
- Hire, train and develop PR & Communications team members, working to expand the team and develop future leaders from within the agency
- Execute on client-partner scopes, lead the development and execution of all PR accounts and assign, review and approve the work of the team
- Cultivate and continuously maintain quality relationships with key members of the media, target industries, etc.
- Attend industry and networking events to represent the agency and further business development efforts
- Ensure communication strategy is consistent and represents each client-partner’s strategic vision and initiatives
- Advocate on behalf of the client-partners’ and agency’s brands with external stakeholders and media across all communications channels
- Work with media outlets to publish timely content and agency information, including press releases, featured articles, etc.
- Research, develop, and maintain media target lists for public relations engagement
- Collaborate with team members and client-partners to strategize quality content and pitches
- Participate in client-partner calls and/or meet with client-partners regularly to ensure satisfaction
- •Track, evaluate, and share results of PR efforts using tools such as Cision and MuckRack
- Attend select client-partner pitches and subsequent kick-off meetings with appropriate team members
- Pitch reporters, influencers, and media contacts on behalf of client-partners and Nickerson
- Oversee the strategic management of crisis communications efforts on behalf of client-partners and agency (when applicable)
Competencies:
- Effectively assesses and selects ideas worth pursuing
- Consistently delivers constructive/effective feedback
- Is capable of teaching and coaching others in the application of their competencies
- Knows the competitive landscape within their area
- Contributes to strategic updates that educate the organization
- Experience quantifying and building upon successes
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or related field
- 5-10+ years of PR experience, either in a corporate or agency capacity, with demonstrated leadership ability and proven successful experience managing client-partners
- Proven success designing and executing integrated communications strategies and campaigns
- Networking skills and existing relationships with journalists and key industry influencers
- Expert knowledge of PR tools including, but not limited to, Cision, Critical Mention, Muck Rack, etc.
- Experience in crisis communications
- Work experience in the commercial real estate market and membership/leadership in local Urban land Institute (ULI), Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) chapter and/or PRSA chapter highly preferred
- Excellent communication ability, both written and verbal
- Understanding of AP style writing guidelines
- Willingness to work in a fast-moving, dynamic and team-oriented environment
- Comfortable with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and various social media platforms
- Experience with SalesForce, Asana softwares a plus
The ideal candidate will have:
- A demonstrated ability to define and build communication and PR plans
- Effectively managed external communications, public affairs, and media relations campaign development
- Established, quality relationships with key media outlets and individuals
- A demonstrated ability to lead communications and PR teams and guide them, using strategy and goal-driven campaigns to reach audiences
- A willingness to represent the agency in a business development capacity
- The ability to adapt and add value within a highly innovative agency
Location and Travel:
Team member will work fully remotely with some anticipated travel to client-partners, industry events, etc.
Candidates can be based in New York City, NY (strong preference) – Miami, FL – Washington, DC – San Francisco, CA – Chicago, IL, Boston, MA – Los Angeles, CA – San Diego, CA