Hill & Knowlton is a strategic and creative partner to drive breakthrough opportunities for growth and value creation, advance corporate strategy, and build reputation capital and resiliency. We're a proven partner for business and brand transformation. A full-service global firm, we provide strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity. Hill & Knowlton is part of the Burson Group and WPP (NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company.

Director, Earned Media

We are looking for a Director to help lead our work with some of Canada's leading technology, financial and professional services brands. As part of the H&K Toronto team, you will be responsible for the leadership of key accounts, with a particular focus on earned media strategy and campaigns.

The ideal candidate will have proven strategic communications experience, strong media relationships, the ability to manage large projects and experience providing counsel to clients, particularly on the Canadian media landscape.

Here's what you'd be doing

• Serve as the day-to-day client lead of several high-profile accounts
• Act as a strategic client counselor, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, and how that impacts their business
• Manage numerous projects, with a particular focus on earned media campaigns
• Maintain top-tier media relationships across broadcast, print, online and new media formats (e.g., podcasts), with a strong POV on how to earn media coverage
• Serve as a mentor and coach for junior team members, with a particular focus on building media relations skills across the team
• Anticipate client needs and issues, troubleshoot problems as an active listener and fearless counselor
• Have a positive and team-oriented attitude, and a genuine interest in continuing to learn and build a passionate, motivated and engaged team
• Manage account financials and contribute to driving growth and account profitability
• Effectively articulate ideas to clients, colleagues and others using your strong communication and presentation skills

What you'll need to get here

• A minimum of 8 years of experience with a focus on corporate communications, media relations and/or journalism
• Deep knowledge of the Canadian media landscape and established relationships with journalists
• A nuanced and sophisticated understanding of what media wants in a story
• An excellent track record providing strategic counsel to clients and leading the development of media relations campaigns
• An ability to work independently and proactively drive work forward
• Experience providing counsel to clients and senior executives
• An affinity for mentoring staff and leading local and national teams towards a common objective
• An entrepreneurial spirit with an ability to identify new business opportunities
• Experience working with and interest in technology, financial and professional services companies would be an asset
• Experience in a PR agency would also be an asset

What else is in it for you?

• The opportunity to develop your career within a full-service and internationally networked communications consultancy with all the opportunities and wider benefits you would expect
• Work on, shape and deliver campaigns for some of the world's biggest companies and most exciting brands
• Access to a global network of specialist communicators working with leading brands and clients
• Industry competitive compensation and benefits
• Full health benefits package-including paid time off, schedule flexibility, wellness reimbursement, and more
• The opportunity to develop as a leader, both mentoring junior employees, and learning from some of the best in the industry
• A passionate, smart, fun, and creative culture
• A hybrid work environment including a beautiful new office at the Waterfront Innovation Centre, home of the WPP campus

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Hill & Knowlton is more than an agency. It's a collection of thousands of brilliant, collaborative and driven employees - all united around a single vision of transforming our clients, our company and the world.

Across 70 offices in 30 countries our people are the heartbeat of our business. Bridging countless cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences, we are drawn together by a common drive and a collaborative spirit - called to our craft each day by the desire to deliver the best work.

And at H&K, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity.

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