Account Director, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

Highwire; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with merit-based 성장

Flexible remote work options

Generous vacation policy

401(k) matching

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Highwire is seeking an Account Director for its Cybersecurity PR practice, delivering high-impact, integrated communications for industry-leading cybersecurity firms. The role involves leading multiple account teams, guiding messaging, and shaping visibility programs in a fast-paced agency culture.

You will mentor teams, drive thought leadership initiatives, and collaborate across client services to ensure strategic alignment with business objectives and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Deep experience working with cybersecurity clients, including threat intelligence, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or security operations platforms.

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.

Skills

PR leadership

Cybersecurity

Media relations

Strategic counsel

Team leadership

Budget management

Business development

Job description

Account Director, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

Colorado, United States; Connecticut, United States; Florida, United States; Georgia, United States; Illinois, United States; Iowa, United States; Kansas, United States; Maryland, United States; Michigan, United States; New Hampshire, United States; North Carolina, United States; Ohio, United States; Oregon, United States; Pennsylvania, United States; Rhode Island, United States; South Carolina, United States; Tennessee, United States; Texas, United States; Utah, United States; Virginia, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United States; Washington, 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 thinking.
• Lead by example, maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and client service.

Success Factors

• 7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency setting.
• Deep experience working with cybersecurity clients, including threat intelligence, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or security operations platforms.
• Proven success developing and executing integrated communications programs that deliver measurable business impact.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape and 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 with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Creative, collaborative, and confident communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Remote

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that 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 that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in 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:

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• 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.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave 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
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles 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..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!

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