Managing Director
BPCM is seeking an experienced Corporate Communications Managing Director to manage a portfolio of a wide range of organizations within our Corporate, Consumer and Sustainability Communications practices. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing a large team across a number of industries and areas of expertise, and planning and implementing comprehensive, integrated communications strategies. This is a unique opportunity to work cross functionally with BPCM's range of Practices, including Fashion, Beauty, Automotive and Lifestyle, Travel Wine & Spirits, Talent, etc.
Candidates must be adept at multi-tasking, working in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment, as well as possess strong management and communication skills. Only candidates with substantial experience in the development, execution and management of brand/integrated marketing communications and public relations plans, thought leadership, events and corporate/corporate consumer communications strategies will be considered. Candidate must also have excellent written and oral communication skills, have well established industry relationships across business and consumer sectors and media, as well as be able to develop, negotiate and manage integrated communications and marketing programs.
Ideal candidates will have 15+ years of experience working in Communications, Brand or Marketing, in an agency and/or in house environment.
This role reports into the BPCM Partners and Chief of Staff and will grow our corporate comms client roster, oversee high-level client strategy across corporate, consumer and sustainability clients, maintain client health, and foster employee development and experience. This role will be hybrid, 3 days minimum in the office, with additional time as needed.
Responsibilities will be (but are not limited to):
DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT:
- Oversee clients' strategy, work closely with account leads to ensure articulation of the brand's desired image and position, and consistent communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external
- Responsible for an average of 7-10+ department team members based in NY, with potential for more (potential remote employees as well)
- Seamlessly work with department heads of all BPCM divisions and practices to foster efficient cross-departmental communication and integration when relevant
- Provide strategic direction to senior staff/clients on planning, initiatives, media relations and overall brand positioning; support team on execution of scope deliverables
- Develop comprehensive media strategies with media landscape/marketing trends
- Guide the team in developing a strong network with key editors/journalists across business, sustainability, consumer, lifestyle, trade and broadcast media
- Possess strong network of editorial relationships with senior editors, writers and freelancers and extensive experience in brand storytelling, thought leadership and feature pitching
- Oversee weekly, monthly, and annual wrap up reports for various clients as relevant, according to client scope
- Draft, edit and proofread materials from press releases, blog content, pitches, fact sheets, FAQs and briefing documents, to client correspondence
- Manage thought leadership platform with Senior Leadership & Department Heads
- Work with Senior Leadership to maintain a new business pipeline, align on new business goals, lead new business proposals, develop strategic communications plans, identify key media targets, and create budgets
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE:
- Follow latest trends and developments by attending industry events, reading trade publications, and following key thought leaders and influencers on social media
- Share thought leadership and industry trend research across consumer and sustainability sectors with the team and use the information to develop strategic recommendations, programs, or initiatives
- Foster and maintain senior level media relationships and grow senior editor relationships for strategic media coverage and feature opportunities
- Support team members on media/industry outreach on behalf of clients
- Oversee client contracts and renewals, ensuring the team is compliant across all legal requirements, privacy, and brand commitments
- Oversee BPCM's media and contact database with the team's support, ensuring accuracy and relevance of current contacts and new industry contacts
EVENTS:
- Plan and execute events including media and KOL events of all scales. Oversee invite lists and RSVP management, wrangle media and attendees, approve all internal/external event materials and communications, and manage event staffing/flow
LEADERSHIP:
- Partner with HR for effective and timely recruiting for open roles and cultivate a robust pipeline of candidates from entry level to Director roles as the business needs shift
- Partner with Head of Finance to ensure department financial targets are met or exceeded
- Participate in weekly leadership and MGMT meetings; communicate relevant topics for discussion
- Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and provide year-round feedback on areas of opportunity inclusive of promotions and salary increases
- Assess client fees/workload, request fee increases or team changes, and work with Chief of Staff & Head of Finance on time tracking data to ensure fees align with work required
- Capture client updates, salary increases and promotions within the latest forecast model
- Implement SOW Trackers updated by teams to ensure proper staffing to scope of work
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
- Cultivate relationships for new business opportunities with Partners and Chief of Staff
- Maintain new business pipeline ensuring productivity goals are met within forecast
- Manage deadlines and capabilities deck to proposal and scope of work development
- Clarify new business SOW needs to determine potential team and associated fees, with consideration for team bandwidth
- Negotiate new client fees and SOW structures, ensuring consensus among BPCM stakeholders ranging from Partners and Chief of Staff to SVP of Finance & Operations
- Partner with BPCM Legal Counsel on MSA and SOW development and edits, project managing it through to completion
- Ensure new business updates are captured in the New Business Tracker
- Identify means to achieve department KPIs, utilize industry contacts to gather information, and make recommendations to Partners and Chief of Staff
CLIENT RELATIONS:
- Provide exceptional counsel to clients and foster senior level client relationships that allows for free-flowing feedback between both client and agency team
- Responsible for communicating to clients BPCM senior team changes and new hire plans
- Actively flag foreseeable internal/external issues to Chief of Staff in to mitigate client risk
- Follow up with clients to drive forward their Sustainability and DE&I goals with support of BPCM's Purpose and Sustainability Managing Directors and DE&I consultant
THOUGHT-LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS:
- Secure and oversee execution of thought-leadership opportunities for clients spanning speaking engagements, panels and podcasts relevant to the client's market (i.e. fashion, travel, wine & spirits, automotive, sustainability, etc.)
- Identify relevant, strategic partnerships for clients; develop relationships with partners in areas of fashion, hospitality, food and beverage, travel, fitness and beauty to provide business and thought leadership opportunities to clients across the agency's practices
- Consistently tap into the agency's network for the benefit of departmental clients
- Work with department heads and Chief of Staff to brainstorm cross-departmental client opportunities
CLIENT INVOICING, BUDGETS AND EXPENSES:
- Oversee client pre-bills and budget management with account team and ensure all projects are either under or on-budget
- Implement transparent budget tracking process and facilitate finance reconciliation
- Facilitate budget updates to clients on a regular and consistent basis, as relevant
- Track funds and oversee client recommendations for reallocation of potential surplus
RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS:
- 15+ years of experience at a PR agency and/or in house; agency experience preferred, with experience and relevant subject matter expertise
- B.A., preferably in related fields (Marketing, PR, Communications and/or Journalism)
- Ideal candidate to have extensive network of relationships with senior media
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills to effectively articulate ideas to clients, Agency leadership and colleagues
- Team leader with ability to mentor and develop junior team members and foster a diverse, inclusive, and creative environment
- Can work independently and collaboratively to contribute to agency wide brainstorms
- Display high attention to detail and manage multiple project executions
Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
- 401k and additional supplementary benefits
- WFH Stipend
- Summer Fridays
- Generous PTO policy with a 2-week holiday break in December!
The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. Actual compensation is based on a range of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.
Why BPCM: We believe that the strongest aspect of our agency is our team, and we take great care in ensuring their wellbeing, connection and support. Our past, present and future team will tell you that BPCM is extremely strong at balancing a fast-paced, high-achieving environment with a strong community and individual care. Our agency is committed to excellence for our clients, and for each other. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, hybrid work schedule, WFH stipend, summer hours and a generous Paid Time Off policy.
BPCM is committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive environment that allows us to recruit and retain highly talented staff with diverse backgrounds and differing abilities.
The job description is to be used merely as a guide of expectations rather than an exhaustive list of all duties and competencies. All requirements and skills are subject to change as business needs evolve.
