Senior Account Executive - Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose / Digital

ABOUT WE

WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world, with 23 offices globally and more than 1,400 employees who love bringing communications to the next level. We’re independent, we’re all about our people — both our clients and our employees — and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals — including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose — translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible. We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers or reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people’s lives.

When you work at WE, you will find compelling work, global partnerships, worthwhile professional development, outstanding benefits and the opportunity to make a difference. We value those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. We invest in our future by creating an open and welcoming workplace full of bright, skilled and determined people.

In London, WE is committed to a hybrid working model to enable us to nurture a culture of collaboration, flexibility and inclusivity. We encourage employees to come into the office twice a week but trust you to manage your days in the way that best suits you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

WE UK is on the hunt for a Senior Account Executive to join its rapidly growing Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose team and work closely with our Digital team. Candidates will need to have experience in corporate communications and social media management. You’ll have a passion for current affairs and follow domestic and international media environment.

Key strengths for this role include a head for media relations and a passion for integrated work that includes social and digital activations, content creation, and project management. You’ll also have exceptional research skills and the ability to translate research into pithy synopses and insights.

You’ll be well organised; ready to be responsible for management and maintenance of account workstreams, keeping track of industry issues, features lists, podcast calendars and other resources. You’ll have a good pace of work and enjoy working on a varied range of clients and sectors.

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious candidate, with a can-do attitude that’s looking to play a key role in the growing team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client service

• Providing research and insights to inform client communications strategies
• Joining brainstorms and come up with ideas for campaigns and media stories
• Day-to-day client engagement – responding to emails, owning initiatives, leading meetings/calls, providing counsel
• Managing team’s progress on activities
• Supporting with account administration, including updating activity trackers, coverage updates and action recaps

Corporate Communications and Media relations

• Using your network of trade and national media contacts to spot and secure media opportunities
• Leading the sell-in of media campaign/news announcements/opinion pieces
• Help to develop press materials and proactive story development
• Investigating/responding to reactive commentary opportunities
• Supporting team to monitor client issues and crisis and flagging to client in a timely manner
• Supporting clients to prepare for global events including WEF, UNGA and COP including creative ideas for participation and message development

Social media

• Supporting on the execution of social campaigns including:
• Drafting organic and paid social copy and managing editorial content calendars
• Doing research into social media trends, to help inform copy and creative recommendations
• Managing content publishing; natively through social channels, and external scheduling tools
• Monitoring client social channels and leading community management
• Pulling data from social platforms and tools – and conducting organic and paid analysis around key metrics (such as channel growth, engagement rates and website traffic)
• Identifying influencers through desk research and third-party tools, and managing the relationship from outreach through to project completion

New business

• Supporting on new business opportunities, including prospect research, media and social audits and taking part in pitches
• Comfortable in collaborating on, and contributing to, pitch proposals and a confident presenter

Working within the team

• Involvement in the WE Roots peer group (which includes all roles from intern to SAE)
• Mentoring work placements and interns

PREVIOUS PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Typically, 2-3 years’ experience working in corporate communications and delivering social media management for UK and international businesses (agency experience required).
• Experience working on busy B2B and corporate PR programmes (UK and regional/global)
• Strong writing skills across a range of content (e.g. bylines, comments, media pitches, social media posts)
• Knowledge of business media, with top tier contacts and an understanding of how to land media coverage (local, regional and international)
• Creative approaches to cutting through in crowded media landscape
• An interest in building communications programmes that go beyond media into content, digital, social, influencer etc.
• Knowledge of the different social media platforms and their preferred formats
• Good organisational skills, with strong attention to detail (time management, ability to manage deadlines)
• Interest in the news agenda and in the ever-evolving social and digital landscape
• Paid social and influencer experience is not required but is a bonus
• An interest and ability to make and hold strong personal relationships with clients, contacts and colleagues

CULTURE

• Fast paced (frequent tight deadlines, multitasking, etc.)
• Strong customer service orientation
• Spirited (look for inquisitive employees who will ask questions, challenge and get stuck in)
• Non-hierarchical, open working environment (ability to work in a team, contribute to meetings)
• Social (willing to get involved in agency life and with your peer group)