Account Manager - Crisis Communications, Top PR Agency, Great Benefits

Company Description

Portland is an international communications consultancy trusted by some of the highest profile organisations, governments and individuals in the world with offices in Washington DC, New York, Singapore, Doha and Nairobi, as well as in London.

At Portland we never rest on our laurels; we constantly strive to improve our work and be at the forefront of the industry.

The Team:

At Portland, we know that legal disputes make headlines and impact on reputation, which has taken years to build. Portland offers clients reliable support throughout the litigation process.

We understand the complexities and legal imperatives around our clients’ issues. Our expert team in litigation communications, led by a former barrister and made up of experienced consultants who have worked on the front line across Westminster, Capitol Hill, Fleet Street and industry, specialise in defining clear and engaging communications strategies that support your legal strategy.

The Role:

• We are looking for an Account Manager to work for a number of our prestigious international clients
• We are looking for someone with previous communications experience who is able to play a key role in managing accounts and projects, coordinating client relationships, to help devise and manage strategic communications campaigns, and to provide day-to-day media handling advice
• This role will focus on accounts within our International Affairs practice, though the successful applicant may have opportunities to work with other teams across a range of clients, issues and disciplines

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with key clients
• Helping to devise, manage and implement proactive media engagement strategies
• Dealing confidently with key contacts, providing day-to-day media advice, placing stories and mitigating negative coverage
• Tracking issues in the media and politics, both internationally and locally
• Coordinating research drafting press releases, news stories and other written outputs
• Responding quickly and accurately to client requests
• Sourcing and preparing media analysis for clients
• Helping to organise events, press conferences, photo calls etc.
• Managing the work of more junior team members to implement client programmes
• Familiarity and practical understanding of digital platforms

Other Duties:

• Maintaining regular communication with clients and attending meetings
• Overseeing contact reports and agendas for client meetings
• Maintaining own strong network of media and policy contacts
• Leading research for new business proposals and suggesting and developing new lines of potential business

Requirements

Qualifications, skills and competencies:

You Must:

• Have a degree, with a minimum classification of 2:1. This is likely to be in a research-oriented social science or the arts, e.g. politics, economics, geography
• Have strong media experience
• Have a proven experience in a communications role within an agency, government or NGO environment
• Have an excellent feel for communications work, with experience of media handling and devising communication strategies
• Have the ability to conduct comprehensive analysis of information to tight deadlines ensuring accuracy and relevance
• Have the ability to present findings for publication clearly and accurately

Desirable:

• Fluency in another language (especially German and Spanish)
• Willingness to travel overseas

What we offer in return:

• We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression.
• Our remuneration package also includes our competitive pension contributions, private healthcare life assurance cover, company contribution to gym membership, company parties, free daily breakfast and much, much more!
• In addition, every permanent member of staff that works at Portland is eligible for our industry leading quarterly bonus scheme and annual profit share. When Portland thrives, all of our people share in that success.

Unfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated.