Account Director

[ Position ] Account Director

[ Location ] Toronto, ON

[ Type ] Permanent Full-Time

[ Overview of the Role ]

Are you ready to be a Category leader? 🌟 Category Communications is on the lookout for a dynamic and visionary Account Manager to join our team. As an Account Manager, you'll be at the forefront of leading the charge for our clients, working alongside the best in the business to craft compelling stories that redefine the industry categories we represent. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, loves to forge meaningful client relationships, and is ready to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of communication, you're exactly who we're looking for. At Category Communications, we believe in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth.

[ About Category ]

Category Communications is a forward thinking public relations agency that is on a mission to collaborate passionately with industry changemakers and founders by providing strategic communication solutions that drive real business impact. Founded by Chantel Cassar and Lauren Arnold, Category Communications takes pride in its relationship with clients, recognizing them as the architects of change in tomorrow's leading industries. Category’s suite of services include media relations, thought leadership, social media management, influencer marketing, event planning, and crisis communications. The Category approach goes beyond traditional PR; we immerse ourselves in the heartbeat of each industry, fostering curiosity, clarity, connection and care in our communication strategies. To learn more, visit www.categorycomms.com.

[ Account Director Responsibilities ]

• Develop and execute advanced PR strategies aligned with clients' overarching business objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to clients, demonstrating a deep understanding of industry trends and best practices.
• Lead and nurture client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for strategic discussions.
• Ensure a comprehensive understanding of clients' evolving needs and business landscape.
• Oversee the preparation and review of all client materials, including communication strategies, key messaging documents, social strategies and reports, maintaining a standard of excellence.
• Ensure error-free and compelling content that aligns with clients' communication goals.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with media and influencers, leveraging connections to amplify client messaging.
• Stay ahead of media landscape changes and proactively adapt strategies to meet evolving industry dynamics.
• Manage and lead a team of PR professionals, delegating tasks, providing coaching, and guiding junior team members.
• Foster a collaborative team culture, encouraging continuous learning and skill development.
• Lead the account team to ensure projects are executed on time and deliver desired results.
• Effectively manage both client and internal teams, providing strategic direction and oversight.
• Offer innovative solutions to address client challenges and contribute to the development of new business strategies.
• Manage, motivate, and mentor junior staff, identifying and addressing their unique needs for skill development.
• Contribute to the professional growth of team members through personalized coaching.
• Contribute to Category Communications’ collaborative team culture, fostering an environment of creativity and excellence.
• Stay curious and informed about the Category, keeping abreast of industry trends, news, and best practices.
• Attend industry-related events for PR/Marketing and clients' industries to stay connected and informed.
• Support new business development efforts, contributing insights and expertise to pitches and proposals.
• Actively participate in building and expanding the agency's brand and client portfolio.

[ Qualifications ]

• 7-10+ years experience in the public relations industry, agency experience is preferred.
• Collaborative - you have a demonstrated track record of developing trusted client relationships that turn into organic and new business
• Team mentorship - previous experience managing and training team members
• Successfully executed earned media programs that have landed top tier coverage
• Curious mindset with a sharp level of strategy to execute media relations, corporate communications, crisis communications and thought leadership programs.
• Excellent writing skills and an eye for a new media angle
• Highly organized with an acute attention to detail
• Connected network and key relationships across media and influencers
• Passionate about the business world with a focus on technology, finance and real estate
• Great communication skills, both written and verbal
• Relationship-centric approach to clients, team and media
• You like to celebrate wins and learn from mistakes

[ Compensation & Benefits ]

Category Communications values your dedication and talent. The salary band for this role ranges from $100,000 - $130,000, reflective of your experience and expertise. We will also be offering a bonus structure that rewards our dedicated team members based on the company's overall performance. In addition to compensation, Category is proud to offer an array of benefits designed to enhance both your professional and personal life.

• Comprehensive Health and Medical Benefits: Your well-being is our priority. Gain access to a leading health and medical benefits package.

• Access to our industry-leading team of business advisors: We’re committed to ensuring you have the best mentorship in the game. Each quarter, you will have access to career planning and coaching sessions with our leading team of business advisors.

• Hybrid work environment: The future of work is flexible. We’ll always provide opportunities to engage and plan with your team and clients in person, but ultimately – we trust you to do what’s best for you.

• Industry leading vacation and benefits policies: In order to excel, time off to travel, to be with family, and to recharge is essential. We’re offering best-in-class vacation policies (hello, 4-week minimum!) and benefits that make sense.

• Curiosity Fund:
  As a collective, learning and personal growth is in our DNA. Each employee will have a monthly curiosity fund spending account that can be put towards upskilling courses, a new hobby, wellness activity and more.

[ Location ]

Category Communications is a flexible hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate is based out of the Greater Toronto Area, ON, and would have availability to be in-person at the Category office (Front St + John St in downtown Toronto) 1-2 days a week.

[ How to Apply ]

If you’re ready to be a Category leader and contribute to the success of our clients, please submit your resume, cover letter and two writing samples through the application portal below.

Category Communications is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

[ What to Expect During the Interview Process ]

We aim to make our hiring process thoughtful, transparent, and completed within two weeks. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Introductory Screening (30 minutes)

A casual conversation to learn more about your experience, values alignment, and role expectations.

2. Focused Interview (30 minutes)

A more in-depth interview focused on your skills, experience, and how you approach your work.

3. Take-Home Assignment (48 hours)

You will be asked to prepare a brief strategy presentation.

4. Final Interview & in-person Presentation (45 minutes)

An opportunity to walk us through your assignment and meet the Category Leadership team.

5. Reference Checks

We’ll connect with a few of your previous managers or colleagues.

6. Offer Stage

Successful candidates will receive a verbal offer via phone, followed by a formal offer letter and employment agreement sent by email.

For more information visit: www.categorycomms.com