Account Director, Public Relations (Financial & Professional Services)

Account Directors on Highwires Financial & Professional Services teams lead high-impact integrated communications programs for leading and emerging brands across banking fintech insurance asset management consulting and other advisory-driven industries. They bring deep expertise in the financial and professional services landscape translating complex business topics into compelling narratives that build credibility trust and market visibility.

In this role Account Directors oversee 45 account teams providing strategic leadership senior client counsel and mentorship. They ensure communications strategies are forward-thinking results-driven and aligned with client business objectives while guiding teams on positioning storytelling and visibility initiatives.

Account Directors also play a key role in agency growth thought leadership and fostering a collaborative high-performing team culture. 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

Client Strategy & Leadership

• Lead Financial or Professional Services clients across sectors including fintech banking wealth management insurance consulting and advisory services.
• Develop integrated communications strategies that build brand credibility awareness and measurable business impact.
• Provide senior-level counsel on messaging positioning regulatory considerations and media engagement strategies.
• Translate complex financial and advisory topics into compelling business-relevant narratives.
• Serve as the senior client lead ensuring deliverables consistently meet or exceed expectations.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing client relationships.
• Partner with clients on executive visibility thought leadership and market-driven storytelling initiatives.
• Manage budgets forecast hours and allocate resources efficiently across teams.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier business financial and industry trade media.
• Drive thought leadership programs and creative storytelling that elevate client visibility.
• Oversee data-driven and trend-based pitching strategies to secure meaningful coverage in financial and business press.
• Leverage digital and social channels to amplify earned media reach and audience engagement.
• Stay ahead of financial economic and industry trends to provide proactive strategic recommendations.

Agency Operations & Leadership

• Manage 34 direct reports providing mentorship guidance and performance feedback.
• Support new business initiatives from research and ideation through pitch presentation.
• Contribute to agency marketing initiatives including award submissions case studies and thought leadership content.
• Champion Highwires culture of inclusion empowerment and collaboration.
• Represent Highwire at Financial & Professional Services industry events conferences and networking opportunities.

Team Development

• Mentor account teams to ensure clarity on roles client objectives and strategic priorities.
• Foster a collaborative environment that supports professional growth and creative thinking.
• Lead by example maintaining high standards of professionalism accountability and client service.

Success Factors

• 7 years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Deep experience working with Financial or Professional Services clients including fintech banking insurance asset management or consulting firms.
• Proven success developing and executing integrated communications programs that deliver measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of the financial business and trade media landscape.
• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and client management experience.
• Established relationships with financial and business media.
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Creative collaborative and confident communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment #LI-Remote

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity lead markets and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic communications creative and insights we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology healthcare cybersecurity energy and sustainability professional and financial services and more.

At Highwire we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency we foster an inclusive environment where everyoneregardless of age race/ethnicity size shape gender identity sexual orientation religion and different abilitiescan feel safe celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

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

Were 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.

Highwire Perks & Benefits

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
• 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 two 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 youre 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.