Account Director - Lifestyle     

This position is a senior level role within the new lifestyle division of leading international public relations firm, Karla Otto. The Account Director, Lifestyle will work in partnership with the Senior Vice President and clients in their market to design and deliver strategies, programs and initiatives that support client’s overall business objectives. In this role the Account Director will also partner with the Senior Vice President on business outreach and new client development. An individual in this role will possess substantive industry knowledge, senior level relationships with Lifestyle media and the ability to work with senior brand leadership across multiple Lifestyle categories (Design & Art, Beauty, Hospitality) Strategic thinking and highly developed communication skills are also critical success factors in this role. A true team player and committed mentor, this individual will be collaborative and eager to share ideas and information with all Karla Otto offices and teams.

Assist and working closely with the Senior Vice President:

• Work closely with clients to develop compelling PR programs that drive brand awareness and purchase behavior.
• Maintain ongoing, senior-level contact with key lifestyle directors, editors and associates at major long and short-lead publications, websites, blogs, etc.
• Develop pitch calendar and regularly pitch editors’ relevant story ideas that both align with their editorial focus and support client brand strategy.
• Direct efforts of Account Assistant, Manager and Interns.
• Develop, write and edit PR materials and secure client sign-off as appropriate.
• Manage the production and approvals of videos, photography, digital press kits, and other PR tools necessary to communicate brand image and product information.
• Manage budgets and ensure timely accounting and payment of all invoices.
• Manage PR activities for lifestyle clients engaging in Fashion Week including editor outreach, backstage interview, trend reports, etc.
• Partner with Karla Otto events team and outside vendors to ensure seamless execution of brand vision and deliverables.
• Ensure positive communication with clients and international Karla Otto offices

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Must have an understanding of the lifestyle industry, fashion trends and pop culture
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and minimum of 7 years related experience (including 4+ years in lifestyle)
• Social media savvy and actively engaged in multiple social media platforms
• Strong communications skills, excellent writer and editor, confident presenter;
• Having a visionary and opportunistic approach to new business development
• Highly organizational with strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, meet multiple deadlines simultaneously, with a good dose of common sense and initiative
• English and Mandarin working proficiency
• Prerequisites include strong managerial and organizational skills – together with the Senior Vice President to oversee, manage, and develop all tasks and responsibilities of Account Manager, Coordinator, and Assistant
• A responsive and understanding approach to client management
• Creative and strategic thinker
• Able to identify communication opportunities through a pro-active approach
• Strong computer skills including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint