Account Director - PR

Account Director

About Us

Elite Marque is an integrated communications agency working with clients in the corporate sector. We help our clients build credibility, visibility, and market presence through strategic communications and media relations.

As we scale our operations and serve a growing portfolio of leading clients, we're investing in building a world-class team. That's where you come in.

Work from Office role, New Delhi - Netaji Subhash Palace (NSP)

The Opportunity

We're hiring an Account Director to lead client relationships, drive strategic outcomes, and build high-performing teams.

This is a senior leadership role with significant responsibility. You'll own multiple client accounts, mentor junior team members, contribute to new business growth, and work to shape the agency's strategic direction. You'll be responsible for exceptional client outcomes, team development, and account profitability.

If you've leadership skills, run a team of 10-15 employees, successfully led client portfolios in PR/communications, enjoy both strategic advisory and hands-on execution, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this role offers significant ownership and impact.

Your Role

As Account Director, you'll be responsible for leading client relationships, ensuring exceptional campaign delivery, mentoring teams, and driving business growth across a diverse client portfolio.

Client Leadership & Strategic Advisory

Develop deep understanding of each client's business model, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and strategic objectives to proactively identify opportunities and risks

Stay current on industry news, regulatory developments, market trends, and policy changes to provide timely, informed counsel to clients

Serve as primary point of contact for assigned clients, managing expectations, ensuring clear communication, and resolving issues with professionalism

Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives including media relations, thought leadership positioning, industry partnerships, and reputation management

Oversee campaign delivery across accounts, ensuring high-quality execution within agreed budgets and timelines

Support senior leadership during crisis situations, providing strategic counsel and managing communications response

Demonstrate strong decision-making capabilities in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines and competing priorities

Produce high-quality written content including media pitches, press releases, bylined articles, executive communications, and client presentations

Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts, industry analysts, and influencers relevant to clients industries

Deliver impactful client presentations and effectively influence decision-makers within client organizations

Business Development & Growth

Partner with founder to identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities within existing client accounts

Proactively identify and pursue new business prospects, building a robust pipeline

Actively contribute to new business pitches including brainstorming, proposal development, and pitch presentations

Take ownership of assigned sections in proposals, ensuring compelling narratives and differentiated positioning

Represent Elite Marque at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build agency visibility

People & Team Management

Mentor, coach, and delegate to junior team members (Account Executives, Account Managers), supporting their professional development

Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture that values accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement

Provide regular constructive feedback beyond formal appraisal cycles, helping team members grow their skills

Keep leadership informed of team performance, achievements, challenges, and development needs

Support capability building through on-the-job coaching, training sessions, and knowledge sharing

Guide team members in building strong media relationships and developing effective pitching strategies

Financial & Operational Management

Meet individual billability targets and ensure accurate, timely time tracking across all client activities

Oversee account operations including billing, financial tracking, budget management, and revenue forecasting

Ensure all client work is properly documented with status reports and budget tracking submitted on time

Collaborate with founder on resource planning, team allocation, and capacity management

Adhere to agency processes related to budgeting, scope management, contract compliance, and billing procedures

Drive account profitability while maintaining service excellence and client satisfaction

What We're Looking For

Professional Background:

8-12 years of experience in PR, communications, or media relations - ideally with experience in sectors like BFSI, fintech, financial services, wealth management, insurance, B2B, technology, or professional services (agency, consultancy, or corporate communications backgrounds welcomed)

Demonstrated experience managing client portfolios - we need to see examples of accounts you've led, campaigns you've executed, and results you've delivered

Proven track record in media relations - you've built relationships with business journalists, secured quality coverage, and understand what makes news

Team management experience - you've mentored junior professionals and helped them grow

Postgraduate degree in any discipline or professional qualification in public relations, marketing communications, or related field

Core Competencies:

Strategic thinking and business acumen - You understand client business models, connect PR activities to business outcomes, and think beyond tactical execution

Exceptional written and verbal communication - You craft compelling narratives, write with clarity for senior audiences, and communicate confidently with C-suite executives

Media savvy and relationship builder - You have existing relationships with business journalists, understand editorial priorities, and can secure meaningful coverage

Client management excellence - You build trust with clients, manage expectations skillfully, and handle difficult conversations with diplomacy

Leadership and people development - You inspire teams, delegate effectively, provide constructive feedback, and create growth opportunities for others

Project and financial management - You manage budgets, track deliverables, meet deadlines, and drive profitability without compromising quality

Crisis readiness and calm under pressure - You make sound decisions quickly, stay composed in challenging situations, and provide steady leadership

Business development orientation - You identify opportunities, contribute to winning pitches, and help grow the agency

Personal Attributes:

Ownership mindset - You take accountability for outcomes, don't make excuses, and drive results with minimal supervision

Client-first orientation - You genuinely care about client success and go the extra mile to deliver exceptional service

Collaborative team player - You work well with diverse personalities, support colleagues, and contribute to a positive culture

Adaptable and resourceful - You find solutions despite constraints, stay flexible when priorities shift, and thrive in dynamic environments

Detail-oriented with high standards - You catch errors, maintain quality, and take pride in your work

Intellectually curious - You stay current on industry trends, continuously learn, and bring fresh perspectives

Professional maturity - You handle confidential information with discretion, maintain composure under stress, and represent the agency with integrity