Account Director, Public Relations

Inkhouse; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Inkhouse is seeking an Account Director in Seattle to lead multiple client accounts as a strategic advisor and primary client contact, guiding strategy, execution and team performance. The role demands independent client meetings, timely delivery of high-quality work, and strong leadership across media relations and broader communications.

The successful candidate will mentor junior staff, contribute to new business, and collaborate across media relations, thought leadership, speaking

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or related field; growth in responsibility and client ownership.
• Strong track record working with technology clients and tech media landscape.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to craft compelling narratives and pitches.
• Proven media relations expertise and ability to secure high-impact coverage.
• Ability to identify compelling stories and opportunities that deliver client results.
• Confident communicator with ability to build trusted relationships with clients, media, and team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of client accounts as strategic advisor and primary day-to-day contact.
• Independently lead client meetings and strategy discussions; set team priorities and timelines.
• Oversee deliverables to ensure high-quality, on-time outputs aligned with client objectives.
• Develop strategic plans and recommendations reflecting industry trends and client needs.
• Monitor goals and performance; adjust strategies to strengthen results and expand relationships.
• Foster collaborative, high-performing teams; coach and mentor junior staff and support new business efforts.

Skills

Account leadership

Strategic communications

Media relations

Team mentoring

Client relationship

Executive presence

Job description

Inkhouse is part of Orchestra, a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700+ people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen , Civitas Public Affairs Group , Derris , Glen Echo Group , Inkhouse , M18 , Message Lab , Onward and Small Girls PR . It also launched Brightmode , a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group , a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at www.orchestraco.com .

People of all backgrounds and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff, and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist, and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Inkhouse is searching for an Account Director who will lead multiple client accounts, serving as a strategic advisor and primary client contact while overseeing account strategy, execution, and team performance. This role will independently lead client meetings and strategy discussions, set team priorities, manage deliverables and timelines, and provide senior-level counsel across media relations, thought leadership, speaking and awards, social media, and broader communications strategies.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, creative, and confident communications leader who can manage multiple accounts and teams, build strong client relationships, identify opportunities to grow existing business, and consistently deliver high-quality work that advances client goals. They will also mentor junior team members, contribute to new business efforts, and serve as a role model for Inkhouse values and collaborative leadership.
Location: This role is based in our Seattle, WA office and requires in-office presence two days per week.

ACCOUNTABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Manage a portfolio of client accounts, serving as a strategic advisor and primary day-to-day client contact while independently leading client meetings and strategy discussions.
• Set team priorities and oversee day-to-day workflows, assignments, timelines, and deliverables to ensure work is high-quality, on time, and aligned with client objectives.
• Lead strategic media outreach and provide guidance on media relations, proactively identifying opportunities for high-impact coverage and increased visibility.
• Develop strategic plans, client communications, and recommendations that address client needs and demonstrate a strong understanding of industry and communications trends.
• Monitor client goals, metrics, and performance, identifying opportunities to adjust strategies, strengthen results, and proactively expand client relationships.
• Ensure teams consistently pursue proactive, creative, and integrated communications opportunities, including media relations, social media, and amplification.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment by modeling agency values, supporting employee development, providing coaching and feedback, and helping team members achieve their goals.
• Support new business and agency growth initiatives, including pitches, RFPs, thought leadership, and opportunities to expand existing client relationships.
• Contribute to ongoing professional development and agency initiatives while maintaining strong judgment, discretion, organization, and ownership across client and team responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• 7+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or a related field, with a track record of increasing responsibility and client ownership.
• Demonstrated expertise and enthusiasm for working with technology clients, with a strong understanding of the tech media landscape and ability to translate industry trends into compelling communications strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling narratives, strategic pitches, client communications, and other high-impact materials.
• Strong media relations expertise and a creative, strategic approach to developing and executing media outreach, thought leadership, speaking opportunities, and award submissions.
• Proven ability to identify compelling stories, creative angles, and new opportunities that generate meaningful results for clients.
• Confident communicator with strong executive presence and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, media, and team members at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client accounts and priorities simultaneously, exercise sound judgment, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, delegate effectively, provide thoughtful feedback, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000 (commensurate with experience and skills)

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