Senior Account Manager, Public Relations (Cybersecurity)

Highwire; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Highwire is seeking a Senior Account Manager for its cybersecurity team in San Francisco. In this role, you will lead integrated communications programs for notable cybersecurity clients, ensuring strategies are aligned with business objectives. The ideal candidate has at least six years of experience in PR or marketing and a solid understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape.

This position offers a hybrid work environment with competitive salary and benefits, including medical coverage and retirement plans. The salary range is $90,000 to $125,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of experience in PR, marketing, or communications agencies, with at least one year as an Account Manager.
• Prior experience managing cybersecurity clients in an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity industry and media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic media and analyst relations programs for cybersecurity clients.
• Serve as day‑to‑day account lead for up to five cybersecurity clients.
• Contribute to company growth through new business development.

Skills

PR, marketing, or communications experience

Cybersecurity industry knowledge

Strong writing and storytelling

Client account management

Leadership skills

Job description

Senior Account Manager, Cybersecurity, Highwire

Senior Account Managers on our cybersecurity team lead integrated communications programs for some of the most influential companies in the cybersecurity sector. They bring deep experience across threat intelligence, incident response, data protection, and cloud security, and guide teams in translating complex technical topics into compelling narratives that resonate with business and industry audiences.

In this role, Senior Account Managers oversee multiple account teams, managing both high‑level strategy and day‑to‑day execution across media relations and integrated programs. They ensure communications strategies are forward‑thinking, results‑driven, and aligned with client business objectives. Senior Account Managers also play a key leadership role within the agency, mentoring and inspiring team members, contributing to new business development, and helping Highwire deliver exceptional results for cybersecurity clients. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations: Lead strategic media and analyst relations programs for cybersecurity clients across threat intelligence, incident response, data protection, and cloud security; build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and analysts; guide account teams in identifying news opportunities, shaping story angles, and executing proactive media outreach; partner with clients to elevate thought leadership through feature coverage, executive interviews, and contributed content; oversee measurement and reporting of media performance.
• Client Service / Management: Serve as day‑to‑day account lead for up to five cybersecurity clients; direct teams of 5–10 members, manage workflow, priorities, and development; provide strategic counsel aligned with each client's business objectives; build and maintain relationships with key media; oversee communications programs from kickoff through goal achievement; set ambitious client goals; develop and manage budgets; ensure accurate billing, expense management, and overall account health.
• Agency Operations: Contribute to company growth through new business development, organic client expansion, and case study creation; attend networking events, seminars, and conferences; lead at least one agency‑wide training annually; establish and maintain a focus area such as digital strategy, thought leadership development, or cybersecurity‑specific communications initiatives.
• Team Development: Manage up to two direct reports; set goals, conduct quarterly check‑ins, deliver annual reviews; coach across account teams, provide guidance, recognize achievements, delegate effectively, and map work to strategy and client goals; maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude; lead by example and ensure teammates have clarity on roles and responsibilities.
• Account Leadership: Deliver high‑level account management and strategic counsel for cybersecurity clients; execute integrated communications programs as needed; mentor and develop team members; support agency growth through client development and thought leadership.

Success Factors / Qualifications

• Minimum six years of experience in PR, marketing, or communications agencies, with at least one year as an Account Manager.
• Prior experience managing cybersecurity clients in an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity industry and media landscape.
• Established relationships with cybersecurity, technology, and business media.
• Proven ability to develop and lead communications strategies that drive visibility and credibility for cybersecurity brands.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts, budgets, and cross‑functional teams simultaneously.
• Track record of mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Organized, proactive, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and deliver measurable results.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000 to $125,000, based on education, experience, and market data.
• Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) matching; generous paid time off; and additional perks to support overall well‑being and growth.

Location & Work Environment

• Hybrid: Candidates within commuting distance of New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule with three in‑office days per week.
• Remote: Fully remote roles available 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 these locations at the time of hire).