Public Relations - Assistant Vice President: Crisis Communications Job at J Conn

Assistant Vice President – Role Summary
The Assistant Vice President (AVP) is a senior communications leader responsible for independently owning significant client relationships, setting campaign strategy, and delivering measurable business results. This role blends senior client counsel, advanced media expertise, people leadership, and commercial ownership with a modern understanding of digital communications, AI-enabled workflows, and evolving media landscapes.

The AVP leads a book of business, directly manages a team, and operates with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with senior leadership. This individual is accountable not only for client satisfaction and program quality, but for account profitability, organic growth, and the development of the people on their team.

This role is ideal for an established communications professional ready to take full ownership of client outcomes, build agency visibility through networking and new business, and grow into Vice President and broader agency leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel
Independently lead and own approximately $600K–$1.25M in client account revenue across retainer accounts and projects
Serve as the senior day-to-day client contact and trusted advisor across assigned accounts, setting the tone for responsiveness, strategic thinking, and sound judgment
Set the direction for client calls, planning sessions, quarterly business reviews, and ongoing account communications
Create and oversee integrated communications strategies, PR plans, campaign themes, and executive visibility programs aligned with client business objectives
Provide senior counsel across reputation management, thought leadership, media strategy, and stakeholder communications
Own account profitability, including budget planning, scope management, staffing levels, and the balance between service levels and client deliverables
Identify, shape, and close organic growth opportunities within existing client relationships

Media Relations & Executive Visibility
Demonstrate senior-level media relations capabilities with established relationships across business, trade, broadcast, digital, and national media
Set the narrative direction for client programs, shaping story angles and proactive media strategies that generate meaningful exposure
Personally secure and oversee high-profile media opportunities, feature coverage, executive interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership placements
Oversee media preparation across accounts, including briefing documents, messaging guidance, executive prep, and event coordination
Direct media outreach across account teams, coaching junior staff on pitching strategy, positioning, and follow-through
Lead special initiatives including book launches, executive campaigns, conferences, industry events, and media tours

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management
Lead the development and execution of crisis and issues management strategies for clients
Oversee and approve materials including holding statements, Q&As, executive talking points, media statements, and stakeholder communications
Anticipate reputational risks by monitoring media, social, and industry developments, and elevate emerging issues to senior leadership
Counsel clients directly through sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment
Coordinate with senior leadership, legal counsel, and external partners during active issues

Team Leadership & People Management
Directly manage two to three employees, with additional oversight of Account Supervisors, Account Executives, Account Coordinators, and interns supporting assigned accounts
Set clear expectations, delegate effectively, and hold the team accountable for quality and deadlines
Deliver ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and formal performance reviews for direct reports
Identify development needs and create growth paths that build bench strength for the agency
Model and reinforce a collaborative, high-performing, and solutions-oriented team culture

Writing, Content & Messaging
Finalize and approve key campaign messages and client-facing positioning
Review, edit, and elevate agency-generated materials before they reach the client
Oversee development of press releases, executive messaging, award submissions, bylined content, social media copy, and other strategic communications materials
Ensure messaging is clear, compelling, accurate, and aligned with broader client positioning and business priorities

Business Development, Networking & Industry Engagement
Contribute directly to agency growth through new business development, prospect research, proposal writing, and pitch participation
Build and maintain an active professional network across media, industry, and client communities
Represent JConnelly at industry events, panels, and professional organizations to strengthen agency visibility
Identify partnership, referral, and relationship-expansion opportunities and bring them forward to leadership
Contribute ideas that strengthen agency positioning, service offerings, and market relevance

Digital Communications & AI Fluency
Demonstrate strong command of digital communications, social platforms, audience engagement, and emerging media trends
Apply AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve research, content development, media monitoring, workflow efficiency, and strategic insights
Guide team members on responsible, effective use of AI tools and set quality standards for AI-assisted work
Understand and communicate the opportunities and risks associated with AI-generated content and communications
Stay informed on evolving communications technologies, analytics tools, and digital best practices

Operational Excellence & Agency Contribution
Manage multiple accounts, deadlines, and competing priorities with strong organizational discipline and attention to detail
Ensure accurate time tracking, forecasting, and reporting across assigned accounts
Contribute to agency initiatives, culture, collaboration, and operational improvement efforts
Act as a steward of the JConnelly brand, consistently reflecting the Company’s core values, approach, and high standards of excellence in all client, media, and public interactions
Perform other duties as assigned

Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience
7–10+ years of experience in public relations, strategic communications, media relations, journalism, corporate communications, or related fields
Proven experience independently owning client relationships and leading integrated communications programs
Direct people management experience, including delegation, coaching, and performance feedback
Advanced media relations skills with a demonstrated record of securing high-impact coverage and executive visibility opportunities
Experience managing client budgets, scope, and account profitability
Excellent writing, editing, strategic thinking, and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated leadership ability, sound judgment, and problem-solving capabilities
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
Commercial awareness and active interest in agency growth, new business, and client development
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, social media platforms, and digital collaboration tools
Experience with PR, analytics, and media intelligence platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, Muck Rack, TrendKite, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Factiva, LexisNexis, or similar tools
Familiarity with AI-enabled communications, research, and productivity tools strongly preferred
Experience leading or supporting crisis communications and reputation management initiatives
Ability to work flexible hours during high-priority client situations when needed

Characteristics of Success
Successful Assistant Vice Presidents are:

Strategic and intellectually curious thinkers
Senior communicators and skilled storytellers
Trusted client advisors with excellent judgment under pressure
Proactive relationship builders, networkers, and new business contributors
Strong people managers who develop the talent around them
Commercially minded owners of account health and profitability
Adaptable professionals who thrive in dynamic environments
Digitally fluent with a strong understanding of evolving communications technologies and AI tools
Committed to continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth

Featured benefits
Medical, dental & vision insurance (Horizon BCBS, Guardian/VSP)
Company-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) on select medical plans
Company-paid life insurance & AD&D coverage
ESOP — employee stock ownership, fully funded by JConnelly, no cost to you
401(k) with company match (traditional & Roth options)
Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter FSAs
Supplemental coverage through Aflac (disability, critical illness, and more)
Free 24/7 healthcare navigation through Health Advocate
Virtual vet consultations through Petzey

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