Senior Account Manager, Public Relations (Financial & Professional Services)

About the role

Senior Account Managers on our Financial & Professional Services teams lead integrated communications programs for some of the most influential companies across banking, insurance, consulting, and advisory-driven industries. They bring deep experience in areas such as financial services innovation, consulting thought leadership, and enterprise advisory, guiding teams in translating complex business topics into compelling narratives that resonate with key audiences.

In this role, Senior Account Managers oversee multiple account teams, managing both high-level strategy and day-to-day execution across media relations and integrated programs. They ensure communications strategies are forward-thinking, results-driven, and aligned with client business objectives.

Senior Account Managers also play a key leadership role within the agency - mentoring and inspiring team members, contributing to new business development, and helping Highwire deliver exceptional results for Financial or Professional Services clients. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the financial and professional services media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Lead strategic media and analyst relations programs for Financial or Professional Services clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier financial, business, and trade press.
• Guide account teams in identifying news opportunities, shaping compelling story angles, and executing proactive media outreach.
• Partner with clients to elevate thought leadership through feature coverage, executive interviews, and contributed content.
• Oversee measurement and reporting of media performance to ensure programs deliver meaningful visibility and business impact.

Client Service / Management

• Serve as the day-to-day account lead for up to 5 Financial or Professional Services clients, ensuring exceptional client service and program execution.
• Direct teams of 5-10 members, from interns to VPs, managing workflow, priorities, and team development.
• Provide strategic counsel aligned with each client's business objectives and sector-specific goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key financial, consulting, and business media.
• Oversee communications programs from kickoff through goal achievement, ensuring measurable impact.
• Set ambitious yet achievable client goals through creative campaigns and amplification strategies tied to business outcomes.
• Develop and manage monthly and annual budgets, staffing allocations, and team priorities.
• Ensure accurate client billing, expense management, and overall account health.
• Participate in program execution as needed, including writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis support.
• Serve as an ambassador for the agency and our Financial & Professional Services teams.

Agency Operations

• Contribute to company growth through new business development, organic client expansion, and creation of client case studies within the Financial & Professional Services sector.
• Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences relevant to financial services, consulting, and communications to maintain professional development and build relationships.
• Lead at least one agency-wide training annually and participate in internal trainings as needed.
• Establish and maintain a focus area within agency support, such as digital strategy, thought leadership development, or sector-specific communications initiatives.

Team Development

• Manage up to 2 direct reports, set goals, conduct quarterly check-ins, and deliver annual reviews.
• Act as a coach across account teams by teaching, providing guidance, recognizing achievements, delegating effectively, and mapping work to strategy and client goals.
• Maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude toward coworkers, clients, and external partners.
• Lead by example and ensure teammates have clarity on roles, responsibilities, and Financial & Professional Services objectives.

Account Leadership

• Deliver high-level account management and strategic counsel specifically for Financial or Professional Services clients.
• Execute integrated communications programs as needed, supporting writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis efforts.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring alignment with agency standards and client objectives.
• Support agency growth through client development, business opportunities, and thought leadership in the Financial & Professional Services sector.

Success Factors

• Minimum of six years of experience in PR, marketing, or communications agencies, with at least one year as an Account Manager.
• Prior experience managing Financial or Professional Services clients in an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the Financial or Professional Services industry and media landscape.
• Established relationships with financial, business, and trade media.
• Proven ability to develop and lead communications strategies that drive visibility and credibility for Financial or Professional Services brands.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts, budgets, and cross-functional teams simultaneously.
• Track record of mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Organized, proactive, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and deliver measurable results.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• Fierce Distinction

We're looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above all.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you're inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!