Account Director, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

Cybersecurity Jobs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Generous paid time off

Commuter benefits

Technology reimbursement

Parental leave benefits

Annual Growth Mindset stipend

Job summary

Highwire’s Cybersecurity team seeks an Account Director to lead integrated PR programs for cybersecurity. Based in Chicago and hybrid, you will translate complex security topics into clear narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.

You will mentor 3–4 direct reports, shape messaging and media strategy, manage budgets, and drive growth for major cybersecurity accounts while representing Highwire at conferences and client meetings.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Experience supporting cybersecurity clients across threat intel, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or security operations platforms.
• Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications programs that create measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape and the security analyst ecosystem.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and client management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity accounts spanning threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, infrastructure protection, and security operations.
• Own integrated communications strategy to build brand credibility, market leadership, and trust across the cybersecurity industry.
• Provide senior counsel on messaging, positioning, media engagement, and reputation management approaches.
• Convert complex cybersecurity subjects into compelling, business-relevant stories for varied audiences.
• Act as senior client lead and ensure deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Spot opportunities for organic account growth and partner with clients on executive visibility and research-driven storytelling.
• Manage budgets, forecast hours, and allocate resources effectively across account teams.
• Maintain relationships with top-tier cybersecurity, technology, business, and privacy media.
• Drive thought leadership programs grounded in security research, emerging threats, and market trends.
• Use data-driven, trend-based pitching to secure meaningful media coverage.
• Amplify threat research, product news, and executive commentary across digital and social channels.
• Stay ahead of cybersecurity trends, regulatory developments, and emerging threats to provide proactive strategic guidance.
• Manage 3–4 direct reports, including mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback.

Skills

PR experience

Cybersecurity clients

Integrated programs

Media relations

Leadership

Mentoring teams

Storytelling

Business acumen

Job description

Highwire’s Cybersecurity team is hiring an Account Director to lead integrated PR communications programs for cybersecurity companies with an emphasis on strategy, messaging, and reputation management. This hybrid role is based in Chicago, IL, and is designed for a senior communications leader who can translate complex security topics into clear narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.

What you’ll do

• Lead cybersecurity accounts spanning threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, infrastructure protection, and security operations.
• Own integrated communications strategy to build brand credibility, market leadership, and trust across the cybersecurity industry.
• Provide senior counsel on messaging, positioning, media engagement, and reputation management approaches.
• Convert complex cybersecurity subjects into compelling, business-relevant stories for varied audiences.
• Act as senior client lead and ensure deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Spot opportunities for organic account growth and partner with clients on executive visibility and research-driven storytelling.
• Manage budgets, forecast hours, and allocate resources effectively across account teams.
• Maintain relationships with top-tier cybersecurity, technology, business, and privacy media.
• Drive thought leadership programs grounded in security research, emerging threats, and market trends.
• Use data-driven, trend-based pitching to secure meaningful media coverage.
• Amplify threat research, product news, and executive commentary across digital and social channels.
• Stay ahead of cybersecurity trends, regulatory developments, and emerging threats to provide proactive strategic guidance.
• Manage 3–4 direct reports, including 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.
• Represent Highwire at cybersecurity conferences, industry events, and networking opportunities.
• Mentor account teams to reinforce clarity on roles, client objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Champion Highwire’s culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration, leading by example on professionalism, accountability, and client service.

What you bring

• 7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Deep experience supporting cybersecurity clients, including work across threat intelligence, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or security operations platforms.
• Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications programs that create measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape and the security analyst ecosystem.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and client management experience.
• Established relationships with cybersecurity, technology, and business media.
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen, including identifying growth opportunities.
• Creative, collaborative, and confident communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation

USD 110,000 - 135,000 per year

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive benefits package
• FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment

Location and work environment

Highwire offers remote and hybrid options depending on where you live. Hybrid candidates located within commuting distance of the New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week. For fully remote roles, Highwire hires in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Candidates must reside in one of the listed locations at the time of hire.