Account Director, Consumer

Interdependence; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage

Vacation/sick leave/holiday PTO

401(k)

Flex Fridays

Flexible remote work options

Summer Fridays

Job summary

Interdependence in Chicago is seeking an experienced Account Director to lead integrated communications programs across the Consumer Brands, Travel, and Entertainment sectors. This position requires over 10 years of experience in PR or communications, with a significant background in the consumer space. You will oversee high-profile clients and mentor account teams while developing strategies that drive impactful results. The role includes a competitive benefits package: comprehensive medical coverage, flexible remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience in the consumer space.
• Proven success leading integrated communications programs for enterprise, SaaS, or AI clients.
• Deep understanding of the consumer landscape, including key media, trends, and issues shaping the industry.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior lead for multiple consumer accounts, providing high-level strategy, vision, and counsel.
• Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business-impacting coverage.
• Manage and mentor account teams to deliver high-quality work with efficiency and precision.
• Contribute to business development efforts including proposal creation and presentations.

Skills

PR or communications experience

Leadership abilities

Writing and storytelling

Presentation skills

Client relationship-building

Cross-functional working

Job description

Interdependence is a dynamic, innovative, and results-focused public relations, communications, and integrated marketing firm. Powered by proprietary technology, we help brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs elevate their businesses and achieve meaningful outcomes. With a vibrant team of nearly 100 full-time professionals across the country and continued rapid growth, Interdependence is proud to be recognized as “One of America’s Best PR Agencies” by Forbes. At Interdependence, we foster a collaborative, supportive, and performance‑oriented work environment. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, innovate, and pursue opportunities for professional growth. We prioritize work‑life balance, ensuring our team enjoys fulfilling personal and professional lives. Our commitment to delivering exceptional client results spans industries including consumer brands, travel, entertainment, technology, B2B, healthcare, and professional services. We embrace a diverse, inclusive culture that values creativity and excellence.

Position Overview

Interdependence is seeking a seasoned, strategic Account Director to lead integrated communications programs across our Consumer Brands, Travel, and Entertainment portfolio. This role is ideal for a senior PR leader who thrives at the intersection of brand storytelling, cultural relevance, and business growth.

The Account Director will oversee high‑profile consumer, lifestyle, hospitality, creator, and entertainment clients—shaping narratives that resonate with media, influencers, and audiences alike. This role combines senior‑level client counsel, proactive idea generation, team leadership, and operational excellence, with a strong emphasis on delivering measurable impact and identifying opportunities to expand client relationships.

As a senior leader on the consumer team, this person will serve as the primary day‑to‑day client partner, guiding strategy across earned media, thought leadership, experiential moments, partnerships, and cultural storytelling. They will mentor account teams, collaborate closely with leadership, and help evolve how Interdependence shows up as a modern, integrated PR agency for consumer and entertainment brands.

This is a highly visible role for someone who understands how to build momentum, manage complexity, and translate brand vision into standout press, buzz, and long‑term reputation value.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel

• Serve as senior lead for multiple consumer accounts, providing high‑level strategy, vision, and counsel.
• Build trusted partnerships with client executives, understanding business priorities and aligning PR strategies to drive impact.
• Oversee integrated communications programs, including thought leadership, executive visibility, product storytelling, and industry positioning.
• Anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions to ensure long‑term client success and retention.

Media Strategy & Thought Leadership

• Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business‑impacting coverage.
• Shape executive narratives and messaging frameworks for complex technology stories.
• Cultivate relationships with top‑tier media outlets.
• Oversee production of strategic content, including press strategies, results reports, pitch calendars, pitches, press releases, bylines, and thought leadership articles.

Team Management & Growth

• Manage and mentor account teams to deliver high‑quality work with efficiency and precision.
• Develop and execute PR strategies and press plans.
• Provide direction, feedback, and guidance to ensure professional growth and career development.
• Oversee team structure, workflow, and staffing allocations across multiple clients.

Business Development & Agency Growth

• Contribute to business development efforts including proposal creation, presentations, and RFP responses.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape best practices, improve processes, and drive overall agency excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience in the consumer space.
• Proven success leading integrated communications programs for enterprise, SaaS, or AI clients.
• Deep understanding of the consumer landscape, including key media, trends, and issues shaping the industry.
• Exceptional writing, pitching, and storytelling abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and client portfolios.
• Strong presentation and client relationship‑building skills.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex technology into compelling narratives.
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, all‑remote environment.

The Perks

• We offer a competitive benefits package—including comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, vacation/sick leave/holiday PTO, 401(k), Flex Fridays, flexible remote work options, and Summer Fridays.