Senior Account Manager, Public Relations (Health)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid work model

Generous vacation policy

401(k) matching

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Highwire is seeking a Senior Account Manager for Public Relations in Health to lead integrated communications programs across healthcare, biotech, and life sciences. You will guide high-performing teams, shape strategy, and deliver results for health clients through media relations, patient engagement, and thought leadership.

This role emphasizes mentorship, business development, and budget management, with oversight of multiple accounts and 5–10 team members.

Qualifications

• Six+ years in PR/marketing/communications in agencies, with Health client experience.
• Ability to lead multiple teams and manage client relationships.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and ability to translate health topics into clear narratives.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and integrated programs for Health clients.
• Direct teams of 5–10 members and oversee budgets and productivity.
• Provide strategic counsel aligned with client goals and healthcare objectives.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to new business opportunities.
• Oversee program measurement and client reporting to show impact.

Skills

Mentorship

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Writing

Job description

Senior Account Manager, Public Relations (Health)

Senior Account Managers on our Health teams lead integrated communications programs for some of the most influential companies across healthcare, biotech, digital health, medical devices, and life sciences. They bring deep experience in areas such as healthcare innovation, regulatory communications, patient engagement, and scientific communications, guiding teams in translating complex health topics into compelling narratives that resonate with business, professional, and consumer 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 Health clients. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the health media landscape are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Lead strategic media and analyst relations programs for Health clients, including pharma, biotech, medical devices, digital health, and health technology.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier healthcare, scientific, trade, and business press.
• Guide account teams in identifying news opportunities, shaping compelling 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 to ensure programs deliver meaningful visibility and business impact.

Client Service / Management

• Serve as the day-to-day account lead for up to 5 Health clients, ensuring exceptional client service and program execution.
• Direct teams of 5–10 members, from interns to VPs, managing workflow, priorities, and team development.
• Provide strategic counsel aligned with each client’s business objectives and healthcare-focused goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key healthcare and business media.
• Oversee communications programs from kickoff through goal achievement, ensuring measurable impact.
• Set ambitious yet achievable client goals through creative campaigns and amplification strategies tied to business outcomes.
• Develop and manage monthly and annual budgets, staffing allocations, and team priorities.
• Ensure accurate client billing, expense management, and overall account health.
• Participate in program execution as needed, including writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis support.
• Serve as an ambassador for the agency and our Health teams.

Agency Operations

• Contribute to company growth through new business development, organic client expansion, and creation of client case studies within the Health sector.
• Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences relevant to healthcare, life sciences, and communications to maintain professional development and build relationships.
• Lead at least one agency-wide training annually and participate in internal trainings as needed.
• Establish and maintain a focus area within agency support, such as digital strategy, scientific communications, or healthcare-specific communications initiatives.

Team Development

• Manage up to 2 direct reports, set goals, conduct quarterly check-ins, and deliver annual reviews.
• Act as a coach across account teams by teaching, providing guidance, recognizing achievements, delegating effectively, and mapping work to strategy and client goals.
• Maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude toward coworkers, clients, and external partners.
• Lead by example and ensure teammates have clarity on roles, responsibilities, and Health objectives.
• Deliver high-level account management and strategic counsel specifically for Health clients.
• Execute integrated communications programs as needed, supporting writing, media relations, digital communications, and crisis efforts.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring alignment with agency standards and client objectives.
• Support agency growth through client development, business opportunities, and thought leadership in the Health sector.

Success Factors

• Minimum of six years of experience in PR, marketing, or communications agencies, with at least one year as an Account Manager.
• Prior experience managing Health clients in an agency environment.
• Strong understanding of the healthcare, biotech, and life sciences industry and media landscape.
• Established relationships with healthcare, scientific, trade, and business media.
• Proven ability to develop and lead communications strategies that drive visibility and credibility for Health 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.

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000, 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-Hybrid

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.