Senior Account Executive, Automotive PR - BPCM

BPCM is a women-led Public Relations and Communications agency that focuses on building brand partnerships and telling impactful stories for our clients. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment for our team members that promotes career growth and celebrates innovation.

If you’re passionate about EVs, mobility innovation, or just cars in general, we are currently seeking a Senior Account Executive to join our Automotive team of brand builders and storytellers. In this unique role, you will work side-by-side with our clients within one of the most iconic automotive brands to identify creative stories for the team to support across a diversity of channels, plan for how these stories will be told, nurture strategic media relationships, develop materials that support automotive products, and support brand reputation priorities. 

Location: We are seeking candidates in the Baltimore or Washington, D.C. area who wish to work a hybrid schedule of WFH and a minimum of two days required per week in our client’s office in Reston, Virginia. There may be limited travel opportunities throughout the year. Also open to people looking to relocate to the Baltimore or Washington, D.C. area.

Core Day-To-Day Responsibilities:

• Operates as an embedded member of the client’s communications team, and serves as a primary, in-person client contact with the proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Assist in developing and executing integrated communication plans for product, corporate, and workforce communications initiatives.
• Contribute to media outreach strategies by researching target outlets, drafting press releases, and supporting media inquiries.
• Craft engaging content for various communication channels, including press releases, social media posts for executives, and workforce communications.
• Assist in building and maintaining effective risk communication standards and protocols.
• Assist in monitoring and analyzing communication results, contributing to the evaluation of brand PR reputation.
• Serve as the managing editor and project manager for Volkswagen Group of America’s owned digital channels (i.e. YouTube, LinkedIn, media site, internal communications site) managed by PR/Communications
• Lead bi-monthly brainstorm sessions and weekly editorial meetings with key internal stakeholders 
• Work across the organization with editorial leads to gather ideas, topics and subject matter expertise to inform the creation of compelling content
• Ideate and deliver high-quality storytelling content that can be used for various owned channels managed by PR/Communications
• Delegate duties and review the work of supporting team members (i.e. press materials, pitches, reports, etc.)
• Must have existing connections with editors covering automotive, business, or executive leadership topics. 
• Track industry trends and identify relevant opportunities for clients.
• Assist in the development of proposals for new business presentations.

Requirements

What You Bring to the Role:

• 5 to 7 years of PR experience (agency or in-house) or journalism working on storytelling campaigns with Automotive/Mobility or consumers brands
• Expert at maintaining ongoing relationships with members of top-tier media.
• Collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively across departments and teams.
• Passion for the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Superior press release and pitch writing, communication and presentation skills, with a solid understanding of AP style.
• Experience developing and overseeing an editorial plan.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; adept at developing rapport with clients to maintain strong working relationships.
• Ability to align press initiatives with the business goals of brands/clients.
• Proficient in digital tools, including Muck Rack, Cision, AirTable, Hive, or Microsoft Planner.
• Problem solving and solution-oriented with a proactive, “roll up your sleeves” attitude.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• 401k and additional supplementary benefits
• WFH Stipend
• Summer Fridays
• Generous PTO policy with a 2-week holiday break in December

Why BPCM: 

We believe that the strongest aspect of our agency is our team, and we take great care in ensuring their wellbeing, connection and support. Our past, present and future team will tell you that BPCM is extremely strong at balancing a fast-paced, high-achieving environment with a strong community and individual care. Our agency is committed to excellence for our clients, and for each other. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, hybrid work schedule, WFH stipend, summer hours and a generous Paid Time Off policy.

BPCM is committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive environment that allows us to recruit and retain highly talented staff with diverse backgrounds and differing abilities. 

The job description is to be used merely as a guide of expectations rather than an exhaustive list of all duties and competencies.  All requirements and skills are subject to change as business needs evolve.