Account Director

Hi, we're Derris. We partner with category-defining brands that shape culture.

In today’s fractured media landscape, breaking through — and staying relevant — has never been more challenging. Founded during an evolution in consumer behavior and media consumption, Derris meets the now and molds what’s next. We’re a team of cultural experts and consumer strategists who help tell channel agnostic and insight-driven stories that move people and define generations.

Everything we do at Derris is in service of earning attention for the brands that matter most — the ones defining categories and leaving a lasting impact on culture.

ABOUT DERRIS

From beauty, lifestyle and fashion, to food, health & wellness, home & hospitality, sports and more — we work with both new and established companies to develop narratives that stand out in cluttered industries. A few of the clients on our roster include: Rhode, Starface, Olaplex, Cécred, Warby Parker, Reformation and Bombas.

In 2022 we joined Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. As part of Orchestra, we can offer services from strategic insights to public affairs—and expertise across philanthropy, travel, politics, and more. Our partner agencies include BerlinRosen, Civitas, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals.

ABOUT ROLE

Derris is looking for an Account Director who is passionate about earning consumer’s attention. Experience in multiple marketing and communications channels – earned, influencer, experiential, etc. – is valued. This person will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning and day-to-day tactical execution across accounts in the beauty space and beyond.  This role will also include internal leadership initiatives and responsibilities. Furthermore, we are looking for candidates passionate about contributing to creating a unique company culture.

Location: This role is based in our New York, NY office on a hybrid basis. Derris staff are in-office 3 days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Serve as strategic lead for clients, leading the team within client strategy sessions and driving the compilation of strategy documents 
• Draw on expertise in consumer behavior and channel strategy to advise clients on strategies that reach goals and KPIs
• Serve as main contact for sensitive client problem solving and crisis mitigation 
• Oversee and support team pitching efforts across channels
• Maintain strong relationships and secure feature coverage across applicable business and consumer verticals; both traditional and emerging media
• Support the team with tactical news creation and problem solving
• Maintain pulse on client industry news and media updates within, bringing fresh ideas to the table to increase client awareness and earned media impact
• Provide client counsel on the best influencer strategy based on goals and a strong business case for their particular brand
• Develop and execute influencer paid and organic campaigns from strategic and creative development, identification of creators, outreach and relationship management, negotiations and contracts, content approvals and measurement
• Adhere to deadlines and deliver work on time
• Communicate effectively both internally and externally across accounts
• Proactively identify client needs and business opportunities
• Participate in new business meetings and pitches as applicable
• Guide junior staff members and oversee all client activity and press materials
• As part of our Senior Leadership Team, be actively engaged in developing company culture; improving team morale, managing workload and contributing to the company’s growth as a whole
• Begin to manage a limited number of Direct Reports, increasing in scope over time 

Essential skills:

• 6-8 years of Public Relations experience - agency experience preferred
• Experience in the beauty space, with comfortability to work across a diverse range of industries and clients 
• Proven track record of media relations success, leveraging business storytelling, influencer engagement, and targeted outreach to effectively communicate strategies and secure coverage across traditional and emerging media platforms.
• Skilled at creating pitches, strategies and talking points
• Experience in leading client relationships
• Experience in managing a team, experience managing Direct Reports preferred
• Ability to think through communication strategies and deliver tangible results
• Ability to write stylistically and shift writing styles based on client deliverables and internal meetings
• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience, plus end of year bonuses based on firm, team, and individual performance.

Benefits & Perks

• Employer-sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Pre-tax Health Savings Account Savings Plan (HSA-SP) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401K with a 4% employer match and no vesting period
• Free lunch 1x per week
• Generous paid time off (PTO), inclusive of general PTO, 13 paid bank holidays and 2 days for volunteer work
• Summer Fridays
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Parental leave
• Monthly cell phone data reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Continuous skills training tailored to your role

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