Job Description:
We are seeking an Account Lead, Higher Education to join our client services team at Relentless.
This role is ideal for a dynamic, client-focused professional with a proven track record in account management and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape, including institutions, associations, and related stakeholders. The successful candidate will excel at building and nurturing client relationships, developing tailored communication and creative strategies, and driving results for higher education clients through integrated PR, branding, digital, and advocacy efforts.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for higher education clients, managing day-to-day relationships, expectations, and project delivery to ensure exceptional service and satisfaction.
- Develop and execute comprehensive account strategies that enhance client visibility, reputation, and achievement of institutional goals, aligning with Relentless' creative and communications expertise.
- Lead cross-functional teams (including PR, creative, digital, media, and production) to deliver integrated campaigns, content, and initiatives across platforms.
- Identify opportunities for growth within existing accounts and pursue new business development in the higher education sector.
- Oversee budgeting, timelines, and resource allocation for client projects, ensuring profitability and high-quality outcomes.
- Craft compelling narratives, messaging, and content tailored to higher education audiences, including students, faculty, alumni, donors, policymakers, and the public.
- Provide strategic counsel on issues management, crisis communication, enrollment initiatives, branding, government relations, and stakeholder engagement specific to colleges, universities, and ed-related organizations.
- Conduct research and analysis (including audience insights, competitive landscapes, and trend monitoring) to inform strategy and demonstrate ROI to clients.
- Collaborate with agency leadership to align client work with broader firm objectives and contribute to thought leadership in higher education communications.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Higher Education Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience in account management, client services, or strategic communications, with at least two (2) years focused on higher education clients (colleges, universities, associations, or related entities).
- Proven success in managing client accounts, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering measurable results in PR, branding, digital, or advocacy campaigns.
- Strong knowledge of the higher education ecosystem, including enrollment trends, funding challenges, policy issues, and stakeholder dynamics.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, present ideas persuasively, and articulate strategies to diverse audiences.
- Strategic and analytical mindset, with strong project management abilities and comfort handling multiple accounts in a fast-paced agency environment.
- Proficiency in tools and platforms relevant to communications and account management (e.g., project management software, analytics tools, social media platforms).
Preferred:
- Experience in public affairs, government relations, or crisis communications within or serving the higher education sector.
- Familiarity with creative strategy, advertising, social media management, event production, or media relations.
- Track record of business development or growing client relationships in a services/agency setting.
