Public Relations Director, Consumer

Interdependence; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k)

Flexible remote work options

Summer Fridays

Vacation/sick leave/holiday PTO

Job summary

Interdependence, a leading PR firm based in Chicago, is seeking a seasoned Account Director to lead integrated communications for its Consumer Brands, Travel, and Entertainment portfolio. The role demands strong storytelling and strategic skills, with responsibilities including client leadership and team management.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in PR, a proven track record in the consumer sector, and exceptional writing abilities. Competitive benefits, flexible remote options, and summer Fridays are included.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of PR or communications experience, specifically in the consumer space.
• Proven success leading integrated communications programs for enterprise or SaaS clients.
• Deep understanding of the consumer landscape and media trends.
• Strong presentation skills and client relationship-building experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications programs for consumer accounts.
• Manage and mentor account teams to ensure high-quality work.
• Develop media relations programs that secure impactful coverage.
• Contribute to business development efforts and identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Client relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Exceptional writing

Team management

Media relations development

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Interdependence is a $300,000+ story‑watching PR firm that partners with brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs across consumer, healthcare, tech, B2B, travel, and entertainment. We are recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies and deliver measurable, repeatable earned media—plus integrated marketing across paid, social, content, and brand.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic Account Director to lead integrated communications programs for our Consumer Brands, Travel, and Entertainment portfolio. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of brand storytelling, cultural relevance, and business growth, serving as the primary day‑to‑day client partner and guiding strategy across earned media, thought leadership, experiential moments, partnerships, and cultural storytelling.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel

• Serve as senior lead for multiple consumer accounts, providing high‑level strategy, vision, and counsel.
• Build trusted partnerships with client executives, understanding business priorities and aligning PR strategies to drive impact.
• Oversee integrated communications programs, including thought leadership, executive visibility, product storytelling, and industry positioning.
• Anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions to ensure long‑term client success and retention.

Media Strategy & Thought Leadership

• Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business‑impacting coverage.
• Shape executive narratives and messaging frameworks for complex stories.
• Cultivate relationships with top‑tier media outlets.
• Oversee production of strategic content, including press strategies, results reports, pitch calendars, pitches, press releases, bylines, and thought leadership articles.

Team Management & Growth

• Manage and mentor account teams to deliver high‑quality work with efficiency and precision.
• Develop and execute PR strategies and press plans.
• Provide direction, feedback, and guidance to ensure professional growth and career development.
• Oversee team structure, workflow, and staffing allocations across multiple clients.

Business Development & Agency Growth

• Contribute to business development efforts including proposal creation, presentations, and RFP responses.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape best practices, improve processes, and drive overall agency excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience in the consumer space.
• Proven success leading integrated communications programs for enterprise, SaaS, or AI clients.
• Deep understanding of the consumer landscape, including key media, trends, and issues shaping the industry.
• Exceptional writing, pitching, and storytelling abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and client portfolios.
• Strong presentation and client relationship‑building skills.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex technology into compelling narratives.
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, all‑remote environment.

THE PERKS

We offer a competitive benefits package—including medical/dental/vision coverage, vacation/sick leave/holiday PTO, 401(k), flexible remote work options, and Summer Fridays.