Brand Associate Director/Director, Beauty

The Lede Company, a full-service communication, strategy, and impact consulting firm, specializing in brand, corporate, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, is seeking a creative and experienced Associate Account Director/Account Director in Beauty to join the Brand team. With dedicated Talent, Music, Brand, Strategic Communications, Content, Events, Brand Partnerships, and Social Impact divisions, we work with our clients to advance business and social outcomes through innovative storytelling, media, campaigns, and partnerships. Our service offerings draw on our expertise, relationships, and resources, all of which enable us to exceed client expectations and ultimately deliver results.

The Associate Account Director/Account Director will play an integral role in researching, developing, designing, and implementing key and initiatives and leading account management for a variety of industry-leading Beauty clients.  The Associate Account Director/Account Director will be responsible for managing approximately 6 - 8 assigned retainer accounts or projects at a time, will act as the first-line contact to their assigned client accounts, and will work to drive client priorities in collaboration with department leadership.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, shape, execute and own client strategies that drive fuel cultural conversation, and create meaningful visibility across editorial, new media, VIP and influencer networks.
• Create meaningful storytelling opportunities to secure media and/or content opportunities for clients l.
• Build and run influencer and VIP programs, when applicable, that have a clear strategic rationale and deliver measurable results.
• Edit, proof, and sometimes draft materials across your accounts, from briefings and run of shows to strategies and campaign narratives.
• Oversee and guide account teams while remaining hands-on with the work yourself.
• Maintain strong, active relationships with media, influencers, talent and tastemakers
• Achieve exceptional outcomes for current clients and manage an extended portfolio, ensuring consistency of service is delivered in line with company policy

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND KNOWLEDGE

• 8-11 years of PR and Influencer experience (agency experience a must)
• Proven track record of securing and cultivating media, VIP and tastemaker relationships, and leveraging deep knowledge of the evolving landscapes, including but not limited to: Substacks and creator platforms to drive meaningful results for clients.
• Keen networker, adept at building relationships with key media, influencers, talent and industry spokespeople
• Proven ability to present complex industry information to target audiences
• Excellent client and project management skills with strong organizational and planning skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and delegation skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, collaborative, and able to work well with others
• Knowledgeable on multiple reporting and database platforms including Launchmetrics, MeltWater, CreatorIQ, Infegy, Muck Rack, and more

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• An astute communicator, seasoned researcher, and proven strategist who is equally comfortable getting in the weeds with clients and teams, rolling up their sleeves to drive execution and ensure the strongest possible outcomes for clients.
• A collaborative team leader and creative thinker who can bring together people, processes, execution, and ideas to drive results.
• An enthusiastic, client-facing professional with a passion for communications and deep expertise in building, stewarding, and growing relationships.
• A self-starter with energy, creativity, and an innate curiosity for fashion, culture, entertainment, and the arts.

ABOUT THE LEDE COMPANY

Our team of 200 has decades of experience at the intersection of culture, social impact, and creative communications across brand, corporate, talent, nonprofit, and entertainment sectors. Colleagues describe our culture as dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative, and we pride ourselves on breaking industry rules and developing cutting-edge strategies that result in category-creating brands and transformational campaigns that accelerate impact for our clients. We offer a suite of medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, along with annual vacation, paid holidays, and commuter benefits for eligible employees.