Account Executive
Public Relations Firm Account Executive Opening
Kathy Schaeffer and Associates, Inc. (KSA)
March 23, 2012
Kathy Schaeffer and Associates, Inc. (KSA) (www.ksapr.com), an award-winning Chicago public relations firm specializing in public affairs-oriented public relations, is growing. We’re looking for a strategic, talented and enthusiastic Account Executive to work with our association, nonprofit and corporate clients.
The Account Executive is KSA’s front-line contact person with clients. This is a position tailor-made for a creative public relations professional who wants to make a difference and develop client service and leadership skills. At KSA, we offer a fast-paced environment with a front-row seat for the some of the most vital public policy issues of the day. The Account Executive is a member of the KSA account team and reports to the Account Supervisor.
KSA specializes in issues-oriented communications for associations, nonprofits and corporations that communicate about policy and advocacy in the public arena. Founded in 1994, our award-winning firm is privileged to represent clients who meet the gold standard in their industries. Our team has earned a reputation for first-rate strategic thinking, excellent client service, exceptional writing and generating results through effective communications and media outreach campaigns.
KSA won the Publicity Club of Chicago’s annual Platinum Award in 2010 for excellence in communications. The firm’s culture is entrepreneurial, and each team member works to live up to the firm’s tagline: Smart … Passionate … Ingenious.
Job Responsibilities
Key duties of this position include:
- Providing strategic communications counsel for clients.
- Writing news releases, key message documents, speeches and other pieces, with a high level of skill and creativity.
- Creating timelines and task lists for client work.
- Developing media outreach strategy.
- Creating media lists.
- Pitching stories to editors and reporters.
- Monitoring media.
- Advising clients on social media.
- Conducting creative and well-researched social media campaigns.
- Creating and delivering presentations to clients, and on their behalf.
- Supporting team efforts at events such as news conferences, focus groups and media training.
- Building relationships with journalists and bloggers on the client’s behalf, and constantly searching for new ways to communicate the client’s messages through traditional and new media.
- Supporting the firm’s new business development efforts through networking, and assistance in writing proposals and presentations.
Qualifications
The KSA Account Executive must be a strong writer, a consistent idea generator and a keen strategist. The person must be able to understand the communications needs for a variety of clients and excel in a team atmosphere. At KSA, the Account Executive has daily contact with clients, and has to meet and anticipate the client’s needs. At KSA, our team members do more than act as order-takers for clients. We understand what’s important to our clients and exceed their expectations on a daily basis.
At KSA, we’re “news junkies” who think it’s fun to follow current events and are cognizant of the major players in the political world and business community. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the Chicago media market and be able to recommend how KSA can best use communications to position its clients. And, the person must possess a strong understanding of social media and its growing importance in every communications campaign.
The ideal candidate will have experience in media, social media, issues-oriented public relations and event planning, and will have at least 2 years of public relations/public affairs experience, preferably in an agency.
To Apply for the Position
We offer an extraordinary opportunity to the right person to develop skills and grow professionally. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package. Anyone interested in applying for this job should forward a cover letter and resume to hr@ksapr.com.
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