Account Director, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

Highwire; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Highwire is seeking an Account Director for its Cybersecurity PR practice in the United States. You will lead cybersecurity client programs, shaping messaging and media engagement for industry-leading companies and emerging startups.

You will manage 4–5 account teams, mentor staff, and drive growth through strategic storytelling, executive visibility, and thought leadership initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead large cybersecurity communications programs.
• Excellent writing and storytelling for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and client counsel.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity client programs across threat intel, cloud security, identity management, incident response and infrastructure protection.
• Develop integrated communications strategies to build brand credibility and market leadership.
• Provide senior-level counsel on messaging, media engagement, and reputation management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Strong writing

Mentorship

Job description

Account Director, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

California, United States; Massachusetts, United States; New Jersey, United States; New York, United States

Account Directors on Highwire's Cybersecurity team lead high-impact, integrated communications programs for industry-leading and emerging cybersecurity companies. They bring deep expertise across areas such as threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, and infrastructure protection, helping clients translate complex security topics into compelling narratives that build trust and industry credibility.

In this role, Account Directors oversee 4–5 account teams, providing strategic leadership, senior client counsel, and mentorship. They ensure communications strategies are forward-thinking, results-driven, and aligned with client business objectives while guiding teams on positioning, storytelling, and visibility initiatives.

Account Directors also play a key role in agency growth, thought leadership, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity clients across areas including threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, infrastructure protection, and security operations.
• Develop integrated communications strategies that build brand credibility, market leadership, and trust within the cybersecurity industry.
• Provide senior-level counsel on messaging, positioning, media engagement, and reputation management strategies.
• Translate complex cybersecurity topics into compelling, business-relevant narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Serve as the senior client lead, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.
• Partner with clients on executive visibility, thought leadership, and research-driven storytelling initiatives.
• Manage budgets, forecast hours, and allocate resources effectively across account teams.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier cybersecurity, technology, business, and privacy media.
• Drive thought leadership programs grounded in security research, emerging threats, and market trends.
• Oversee data-driven and trend-based pitching strategies to secure meaningful media coverage.
• Leverage digital and social channels to amplify threat research, product news, and executive commentary.
• Stay ahead of cybersecurity trends, regulatory developments, and emerging threats to provide proactive strategic guidance.

Agency Operations & Leadership

• Manage 3–4 direct reports, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Support new business initiatives from research and ideation through pitch presentation.
• Contribute to agency marketing initiatives including award submissions, case studies, and cybersecurity thought leadership.
• Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Represent Highwire at cybersecurity conferences, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Team Development

• Mentor account teams to ensure clarity on roles, client objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Foster a collaborative environment that supports professional development and creative