Strategic PR Leader: Crisis & Reputation Management

Pocketbook Agency; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Pocketbook Agency seeks an experienced Assistant Vice President of Public Relations & Crisis Communications to lead client relationships and develop integrated strategies across media relations, crisis management, and executive visibility.

You will oversee high-profile accounts, mentor a team, and guide proactive and reactive communications efforts, including press materials, thought leadership, and digital content, in a hybrid NYC setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 10+ years in PR/strategic communications, crisis comms, or media relations.
• Strong crisis and issues management background with high-stakes experience.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and multiple accounts.
• Established relationships with national, business, trade, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Track record of securing high-profile media placements and executive interviews.
• Experience mentoring junior/mid-level staff.
• Solid understanding of account management, budgeting, profitability, and client growth.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Calm, strategic decision-maker under pressure.
• Highly organized with ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Business acumen and growth mindset with networking and new biz skills.
• Familiarity with digital media strategy and AI-enabled tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior advisor for a portfolio of client accounts, overseeing annual account revenue.
• Develop and execute integrated PR, crisis, reputation management, and publicity strategies.
• Lead crisis management initiatives and provide strategic counsel in high-pressure situations.
• Draft and approve crisis materials including statements, talking points, and Q&As.
• Identify reputational risks and coordinate with leadership, legal, and external partners.
• Build relationships with national media outlets for press coverage and executive visibility.
• Oversee media outreach, thought leadership, interviews, speaking engagements, and publicity.
• Lead client meetings, quarterly business reviews, and ongoing account communications.
• Manage budgets, staffing, scopes, and profitability while ensuring client service.
• Mentor and develop a team of communications professionals.
• Oversee press releases, media pitches, and digital content.
• Support new business through research, proposals, and client pitches.
• Represent the agency at industry events to expand opportunities.
• Leverage media monitoring tools and AI-enabled technologies for better research and reporting.

Skills

Public relations

Crisis communications

Media relations

Strategic planning

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Budgeting & profitability

Executive visibility

Writing & editing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Muck Rack

Job description

Pocketbook Agency seeks an experienced Assistant Vice President of Public Relations & Crisis Communications to lead client relationships and develop integrated strategies across media relations, crisis management, and executive visibility.

You will oversee high-profile accounts, mentor a team, and guide proactive and reactive communications efforts, including press materials, thought leadership, and digital content, in a hybrid NYC setting.