AddressAt Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.
We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.
Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:Inclusion AlwaysGrowth MindsetTeam Empowerment Fierce Distinction
We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.
We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York, Boston, and Chicago. However, we are also open to hiring in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
About the role: The Vice President position is a unique opportunity to become a leader for an innovative PR agency. As a senior member of our management team, our Vice President has to be a visionary creative type with 10+ years of experience growing teams and delighting clients. The Vice President will also be involved in new business development and operational leadership. As a growing Public Relations firm, the Vice President role is a pivotal position as this individual will serve as a mentor, and manager and lead by example for all account teams on client management, quality assurance, staff development and strategic guidance. If you have been waiting to discover a role that allows you to be a catalyst in a thriving, meaningful workplace, then Highwire might be just the place for you.
Essential Functions
- Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance brand identity
- Create marketing/Public Relations strategy that will allow Highwire to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization.
- Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
- Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization
- Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development
- As a member of the leadership team, be actively involved in diversity recruiting efforts and be involved in national diversity partnerships
- Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
- Manage, mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals
- Attend networking events, seminars and conferences, including out-of-hours, as required to maintain personal professional development and to build networking and new business contacts
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required
- Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role either in-house or with an agency
- Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements
- Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media
- Experience with social media influencer engagement, content campaigns, and media coverage amplification
- Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals
- Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized
- Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
- Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of communications specialists
- Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills
- Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
- Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented
- Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
- Excellent and persuasive communicator
- Experience measuring the ROI of communications activities
- Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives
Highwire Perks
- Competitive salary
- Merit-based bonuses and promotions
- Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
- Excellent vacation policy including an extended break for summer and winter holiday
- Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3 pm
- 401K Match
- Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
- Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefit
- Home office equipment stipend
- Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
- Technology reimbursement
- Wellness benefit
- Donation Match
- Full-time writing Coach
- Mentorship
- Monthly recognition programs
- Employee referral bonus
- New business referral bonus
- Quarterly Highwire fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
- Dog-friendly work environment
- Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. As we continue to grow our agency, we are proactively building a pipeline of exceptional individuals to connect with and consider for future opportunities.
If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today. We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you.
Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!
Job AlertIf you have been targeted by a scammer, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission here. Highwire will not send recruiting-related emails from any other email domain name or variation other than @highwirepr.com. Highwire will never request your bank account, credit card, or credit score as part of our application process. If you receive a suspicious email not sent from a team member, specifically at our @highwirepr.com email address, or if you receive suspicious outreach on social media, please forward the communication to hwsecurity@highwirepr.com so that we can review and flag the fraudulent domain and user IDs for removal.
