Senior Account Executive, Public Relations (Cybersecurity) at Highwire

San Francisco, California, United StatesFull-timeCybersecurityPosted 3 months ago

About the Role

Senior Account Executives at Highwire are trusted advisors, skilled storytellers, and sharp strategists. On our Cybersecurity team, they partner with leading-edge brands at the forefront of global security innovation, working across threat intelligence, cloud security, incident response, identity, and more. They thrive on tackling complex topics and turning them into compelling, media-worthy narratives. As strong communicators, proactive team players, and emerging leaders, they take ownership of their impact and help drive meaningful results for clients. <h3>Key Responsibilities</h3> Client Service & Program Management <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Own tactical execution of cybersecurity-focused PR program elements, including media relations, analyst engagement, thought leadership, speaking, and content.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lead weekly client calls, provide strategic counsel, and serve as a trusted point of contact—even during sensitive or reactive news cycles.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Manage projects from kickoff through execution—keeping deliverables on track and aligned to broader strategic goals.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Develop quarterly cybersecurity campaign plans, incorporating industry trends, breaking news, and creative angles.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Monitor the threat landscape, competitors, and relevant regulatory developments to identify timely commentary opportunities.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Support client media training, including message development and session follow-up.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Help develop budgets and allocate team resources based on evolving client needs.</li> </ul> Media & Influencer Relations <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lead media strategy and execution for cybersecurity clients, with strong existing relationships across 10+ business, trade, and cybersecurity reporters.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Consistently craft and deliver creative, proactive pitches that generate high-quality media coverage and thought leadership.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Identify new media trends, outlets, and journalists relevant to the security space—and share insights across the agency.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Drive and support influencer engagement, content campaigns, and amplification strategies across digital and social platforms.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Use social channels to boost client visibility and executive voice while supporting broader narrative efforts.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Measure and communicate the ROI of PR programs, using analytics to optimize ongoing initiatives.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Coach junior staff on cybersecurity-specific media strategies and relationship building.</li> </ul> Writing & Content Development <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Write and edit high-impact cybersecurity-focused content, such as:</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thought leadership articles, press releases, and contributed pieces</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Speaking abstracts, award nominations, and analyst briefings</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Media pitches, briefing books, backgrounders, and internal client materials</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ensure content reflects technical accuracy, industry nuance, and journalistic relevance.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Create timely, creative narratives that make technical topics relatable to media and business audiences alike.</li> </ul> Insights, Analytics & Integration <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lead results reporting and campaign measurement, clearly articulating outcomes and PR value to clients.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Leverage insights and data to refine cybersecurity campaign strategies.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Collaborate across teams to ensure integrated service delivery—especially around AI, design, content, and social media.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Identify and adopt AI tools that support campaign precision, speed, and efficiency.</li> </ul> Mentorship & Collaboration <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mentor and support junior staff, helping them build their cybersecurity knowledge, media skills, and client confidence.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture built on respect, communication, and shared success.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lead by example through proactive, solution-oriented collaboration and professional conduct.</li> </ul>  Agency Engagement & Operations <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Contribute to new business initiatives, from background research to pitch participation.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Write for Highwire’s blog and engage with agency social channels to share cybersecurity insights and wins.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Attend and encourage participation in security conferences, networking events, and relevant meetups.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bring thoughtful ideas to help improve agency culture, workflows, and team growth.</li> </ul> Professional Growth & Self-Development <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Set and track quarterly goals with your manager to support career development.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Prioritize tasks effectively to meet client goals and internal expectations.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Demonstrate independence in driving projects and initiatives forward with minimal oversight.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Seek feedback and act on it—bringing a continuous improvement mindset to your work.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Consistently meet deadlines and communicate clearly when priorities shift.</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stay up to date on cybersecurity news, industry changes, and media trends.</li> </ul> <h3>Success Factors</h3> <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3–5 years of PR/communications experience in an agency setting (required) </li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Direct experience working with cybersecurity clients or within the security industry</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Strong media relationships across tech, business, and security trades (e.g., Wired, TechCrunch, CyberScoop, SC Magazine, Dark Reading, Axios, etc.)</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ability to understand and translate complex cybersecurity topics into compelling media narratives</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Experience managing client communications, priorities, and deliverables</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Confidence using analytics tools and reporting on performance metrics</li> <li>A collaborative, curious, and client-first mindset</li> </ul>   The salary range for this position is $63,000 to $90,000, 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<div class="content-conclusion">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: <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Team Empowerment</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Growth Mindset</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Inclusion Always</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Fierce Distinction</li> </ul> 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. Highwire. Above all. <hr> Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer: <ul> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">401(k) plan with employer matching</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Paid parental leave benefits</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Commuter benefits</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Monthly technology reimbursement</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">501c3 donation matching program</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Monthly recognition and team celebrations</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Employee referral and new business referral bonuses</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dog-friendly office environment</li> <li style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work</li> </ul> <hr> Location & Work Environment 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. <hr> Join the Highwire team If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation. Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!</div>

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