Account Director, PR and Influencer Job at Derris, an Orchestra company in New Y

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About Derris

Hi, we’re Derris. We partner with category‑defining brands that shape culture. We help tell channel‑agnostic, insight‑driven stories that move people and define generations. In 2022 we joined Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex world. Our partner agencies include BerlinRosen, Civitas, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. We also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals.

About Role

Derris is looking for an Account Director who is passionate about earning consumers’ attention. Experience in multiple marketing and communications channels – earned, influencer, experiential, etc. – is valued. The role will oversee strategic planning and day‑to‑day tactical execution across accounts in the beauty space and beyond. It also includes internal leadership initiatives and contributing to a unique company culture.

Location: New York, NY (hybrid) – 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.
• Support the team with tactical news creation and problem solving.
• Maintain pulse on client industry news and media updates, bringing fresh ideas 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 secure coverage across traditional and emerging platforms.
• Skilled at creating pitches, strategies and talking points.
• Experience in leading client relationships.
• Experience in managing a team; 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 written and verbal communication skills.

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 (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match and no vesting period
• Free lunch 1× 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

We’re part of Orchestra, the first communications company built for today’s media landscape. Since 2022 it’s acquired nine firms, including BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communication professionals. Learn more at: www.orchestraco.com.