Account Executive

Description:

Southwest Strategies Group is seeking a full-time, Account Executive to join our San Diego team. The Account Executive provides support to project managers on public communications, community outreach and media relations as well as coordinates and executes special events, public hearings, social media activity and market research. We are seeking an individual who is ready to support unique communications needs by developing tailored strategies and tactics that get results. We want strong writers and researchers – those who enjoy jumping in and learning everything they can about a client or project.

Southwest Strategies Group is focused on building leaders in our industry and community. With over 120 professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience, our team is uniquely positioned to meet stakeholders where they are. We approach every project as a trusted partner, leveraging our decades of expertise to provide custom strategies that help our clients get results.

Position

Location and Travel: This person must be located in San Diego. Our offices operate on a hybrid schedule, with 3 days onsite in San Diego. Travel is required up to 10-15% of the time. This role will include early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.

Compensation:

The annual base amount for this position is dependent on several factors, including the candidate’s geographic location, experience, and qualifications. The annual base amount may be adjusted based on market conditions in the location where the employee resides.

A typical annual base range for this role is: $45,000– $70,000 - non-exempt, hourly (actual compensation may vary by location and will follow local regulations).

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of PR, marketing, and communications plans, including research, strategy, and content development
• Conduct media and influencer outreach: draft press materials, build lists, pitch stories, and manage distribution opportunities
• Draft content for social media, blogs, email, websites, advertising, fact sheets, presentations, and other collateral
• Support profile building activities: identify award, spokesperson and contributed/byline article opportunities; draft and manage submissions
• Support digital marketing and SEO efforts: manage social content calendars, coordinate paid campaigns, track analytics, and optimize content
• Collaborate with designers and digital specialists to develop visuals, ads, and other creative assets
• Plan and execute events, meetings, and tours: create plans, manage RSVPs, coordinate vendors, staff logistics, and support on-site execution
• Lead community and stakeholder outreach, including canvassing, field engagement, and responding to inquiries
• Build and maintain stakeholder, media, and influencer databases; track outreach activities and relationships
• Proofread and edit client materials such as news releases, pitches, and newsletters
• Support account management: maintain project trackers, budgets, agendas, meeting notes, and client deliverables
• Produce reporting on media coverage, outreach efforts, digital analytics, and campaign performance
• Assist with business development by researching proposals, identifying opportunities, and participating in community or trade organizations
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations or related field strongly preferred
• 1+ years' previous Public Relations or Community Relations experience required