Account Director - Travel & Hospitality

PURPLE has a unique opportunity for a senior level publicist to join our global PR agency’s NY office leading luxury travel/hospitality accounts. As a senior lead for the travel/hospitality team, this individual must have a proven track record of developing and executing strategic, integrated media/event/influencer campaigns and successfully managing and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will have agency experience with luxury hotels, hotel openings and food & beverage outlets. Strong media contacts and relationships with top-tier consumer press and trade press are a must. Key Responsibilities The Account Director will work closely with Senior Members of the Lifestyle team based in NY. You will be the lead on accounts and projects, serving as a trusted strategist and expert voice for clients. This individual will serve as a mentor, manager, and lead example for all account teams on client management, results, staff development and strategic guidance. The candidate will also be heavily involved in new business. Proactively builds and implements strategy for clients Evaluate and understand client business objectives and crafts strategies that reflects those business objectives. Lead client programs and campaigns from planning to execution within the specified budget including new hotel launches Event conception and management Pull and collaborate with different divisions across the agency and office to ensure the client is getting access to the agency's network-wide expertise Manage client benchmarks and deliver strong media coverage through leadership and guidance Consistently produce high quality internal and external communications content Manage and motivate other members of the team to ensure day to day operations run smoothly and PR results are delivered, while supporting them in their growth to the next level. Proactively seek out and propose new business ideas, creating proposals and pitching Strategize, execute, and manage global media relations campaigns across lifestyle, travel, fashion and business media. Collaborate with division heads and project teams as necessary to seamlessly integrate cultural programming into project strategy and schedule and ensure successful execution of press and social media campaigns, special events, retail collaborations, and/or other deliverables. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise 6+ years of travel/hospitality public relations experience at a PR agency A track record of success opening new hospitality venues (hotels/restaurants) and generating consistent ongoing media coverage Familiarity with the luxury market and clientele Ability to be very nimble and work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment Integrated communications campaign conception beyond traditional media Articulates ideas succinctly and is comfortable with public speaking and presentations Superior high-level media contacts across broadcast, print and online media A “proactive” attitude and team mentality and experience leading a team · Excellent written and verbal communication skills · Exceptional problem-resolution skills, including the ability to think creatively and outside the box