Account Manager

Mekky Media Relations, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life/AD&D insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Commuter Benefits Program

Emotional Well Being Support Program

Job summary

Mekky Media Relations, Inc. is seeking an experienced PR Account Manager in the Chicago area. This full‑time role will lead day‑to‑day client work, drive strategic media relations, and manage account teams from strategy through execution.

You will develop integrated PR plans, write and edit press materials, and maintain strong client relationships while mentoring junior staff and balancing multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years experience in Public Relations or agency setting.
• BA or BS in Public Relations or related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in AP style.
• Experience with media tools (Muck Rack, Meltwater, Podchaser, Qwoted, ChatGPT, Slack).
• Willingness to travel and be based in the Chicago area.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of assigned accounts and teams.
• Develop and execute strategic, creative PR plans aligned with client goals.
• Write, review and edit press materials (press releases, media alerts, bios, digital press kits).
• Lead proactive media relations and secure high‑quality coverage.
• Maintain client relationships through meetings and updates.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure on‑time deliverables.

Skills

Public relations

Communication skills

Media relations

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

BA in Public Relations or related field

Tools

Muck Rack

Meltwater

Podchaser

Qwoted

ChatGPT

Slack

Job description

Mekky Media is an award‑winning public relations agency that uses strategic communications and creative storytelling to captivate audiences, build meaningful connections and create positive change for our clients. Our work is grounded in four core values: passionate, curious, entrepreneurial and trustworthy. We are seeking an experienced, driven PR Account Manager who embodies these values by bringing fresh ideas, strategic thinking and a relentless commitment to delivering results across a diverse portfolio of clients.

Position Summary

The full‑time Account Manager will serve as the day‑to‑day lead on select client accounts, owning both short‑and long‑term projects from strategy through execution. This person will foster client relationships, lead proactive media relations and drive results.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, hold accountable (LMA)
• Lead the day‑to‑day management of assigned accounts and account teams, ensuring strategies, timelines and deliverables remain on track
• Serve as primary day‑to‑day contact for clients
• Provide strong support on accounts led by senior leaders, as needed
• Develop and execute strategic, creative and integrated PR plans aligned with client goals
• Write, review and edit press materials including press releases, media alerts, photo captions, media pitches, biographies, digital press kits etc.
• Oversee the quality and accuracy of work produced across assigned accounts
• Anticipate challenges, recommend solutions and confidently navigate client concerns, team conflicts and shifting priorities
• Lead proactive media relations efforts, including identifying timely story opportunities, developing targeted pitches and securing consistent, high‑quality coverage
• Maintain client relations through meetings, conference calls, events, general contact
• Prepare meeting agendas, notes, reports with support team
• Attend and organize events on behalf of clients and agency, as needed
• Develop and maintain solid media relationships with journalists, producers, editors, bloggers, digital content creators and social media influencers
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and hold team members accountable for deadlines and deliverables
• Monitor and engage across digital media channels on behalf of clients, as appropriate
• Assist with developing strategic and creative integrated PR initiatives
• Monitor current industry news, trends and technology in the PR space as well as client industries we represent
• Support the agency’s business development efforts through idea generation, introduction meetings, proposal writing and presentations, as needed
• Support the agency’s marketing and social media initiatives, including social media, earned media, agency awards, newsletters and more
• Manage and mentor junior employees, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum five to seven (5–7) years related experience in Public Relations; Agency experience highly preferred
• BA or BS in Public Relations or related field
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• National and local (Chicago) media contacts
• Proficient in AP style
• Experience using industry tools such as Muck Rack, Meltwater, Podchaser, Qwoted, ChatGPT, Slack and more
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and ability to assist clients and the social team with developing strategies on these platforms as needed
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace applications
• Strong strategic planning abilities and critical thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail and follow‑through skills
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Must have a solid understanding of all forms of media
• Must be able to work well under pressure and when facing tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to adapt to changing environments
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills
• Thrives in a fast‑paced environment and able to make sound decisions without a lot of direction
• Willing to travel as needed for client work and new business
• Chicago‑area based position

Benefits Include:

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life/AD&DD insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Health Care Support Program
• Adoption Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Emotional Well Being Support Program
• 401(k) plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Parental leave

Work Schedule and Environment

Mekky Media offers a hybrid work environment. The Account Manager position is responsible for working in the office two (2) days per week, Monday through Thursday. All team members work remotely on Fridays.

Compensation

The Account Manager position offers a salary range from $65,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Mekky Media Relations also offers a commission program to all employees.

Mekky Media Relations is an equal opportunity employer. We seek applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.