Senior Account Manager (Earned Media)

Role Overview: We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Account Manager to join our Cape Town team and lead a portfolio of top-tier financial services clients. This role requires a strategic thinker and hands-on doer—someone who can shape narratives, manage content creators and suppliers and deliver integrated campaigns across Earned, Social, Owned and Paid platforms. If you’re a natural storyteller with strong client management skills, deep financial services experience and a passion for delivering results—we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

1. Account & Campaign Management: Lead day-to-day client account management with minimal oversight from the Account Director. Manage projects end-to-end — from concept, pitch and budgeting to execution and reporting. Develop creative solutions and contribute to strategic planning for existing clients and new business. Write high-quality, audience-relevant content across various formats and channels. Maintain professional client relationships, providing advice, managing expectations and driving delivery. Track budgets, hours and resources effectively.
2. Strategic Thinking & Planning: Draft communication strategies and plans with input from senior leadership. Conduct research to inform insights, campaign direction and content. Prepare and deliver strategic plans, reports and campaign reviews. Identify opportunities to strengthen client reputation and achieve measurable results.
3. Media Relations & Content Development: Build and maintain strong relationships across classical, digital and social media. Identify media angles and develop compelling stories that secure coverage. Confidently pitch to media, tailoring stories to relevant platforms and audiences. Produce high-quality media content aligned with client strategies. Ensure all communication aligns to the PESO (Paid, Earned, Social, Owned) model.
4. Supplier & Content Partner Management: Identify, brief and manage third-party content creators, production suppliers, media partners and freelancers. Negotiate supplier costs and ensure deliverables meet quality, brand and budget standards. Oversee timelines, approvals and compliance with supplier agreements. Ensure content from partners aligns with client strategy, brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
5. Client & Team Leadership: Lead client meetings and presentations, ensuring clarity and actionable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement plans and meet deadlines. Support senior leadership in issues and incident management. Mentor and guide junior team members. Scope, resource and allocate tasks efficiently. Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and contractual obligations.

Key Requirements

1. Relevant tertiary qualification in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or related field.
2. Minimum 6 years’ experience in a PR agency or similar fast-paced, client-facing environment.
3. Proven experience managing financial services and/or corporate accounts is essential.
4. Experience managing content creators, production suppliers and third-party collaborators.
5. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
6. Strong understanding of classical and digital media.
7. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

Skills & Attributes

1. A natural leader with strong delegation skills.
2. Creative, strategic and solutions-oriented.
3. Calm under pressure, thrives in a fast-paced environment.
4. Excellent time management and organisational skills.
5. Collaborative, approachable and empathetic.
6. High attention to detail and quality.
7. Confident, proactive and dependable.
8. Passionate about growing brands and reputations through earned media.