Public Relations Agency Account Executive

PUBLIC RELATIONS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Commonwealth Public Relations & Marketing is seeking an experienced Account Executive to join our growing agency. Candidate must reside within the Eastern Time Zone and be able to travel periodically for client and agency meetings.

This is not an entry-level position.

We're looking for a public relations professional with agency experience who can manage client relationships, develop strategic communications plans, secure earned media coverage, and execute campaigns with minimal supervision.

Our clients span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, energy, economic development, education, trade associations, marine, surfing, manufacturing, and public affairs. The work is fast-paced, diverse, and highly visible.

The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist, writer, and media relations professional. You should be comfortable leading client calls, developing story ideas, pitching reporters, writing compelling content, and managing multiple deadlines across multiple accounts.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a day-to-day contact for client accounts
• Develop and execute strategic public relations campaigns
• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media
• Write press releases, media advisories, bylined articles, talking points, pitches, and other communications materials
• Identify proactive media opportunities and story angles
• Conduct media outreach and secure earned media coverage
• Monitor media coverage and prepare client reports
• Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, and strategy discussions
• Assist with public affairs, advocacy, and grassroots communications efforts when needed
• Coordinate with internal team members to execute campaigns efficiently and effectively

What We're Looking For

• Minimum five years of public relations experience
• Minimum three years of agency experience required, preferably in a public relations agency environment managing multiple client accounts simultaneiously.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Strong command of AP Style
• Success securing earned media coverage
• Experience developing media strategies and communications plans
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong client service mindset
• Experience supporting advocacy, legislative, or public affairs campaigns is a plus
• Ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid environment

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Consistently identify and execute media opportunities
• Deliver high-quality client work with minimal revisions
• Build strong client relationships
• Manage deadlines without constant oversight
• Contribute strategic ideas during planning discussions
• Help drive measurable results for client campaigns

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with company match
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work environment
• Professional development opportunities

Location

This position is open to remote and hybrid candidates located on the East Coast. Candidates must be able to work primarily during Eastern Time business hours and travel occasionally for client meetings, agency retreats, and events.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to careers@commonwealth-pr.com.

To help us identify candidates who pay attention to detail, please include the phrase "earned media still matters" in your email subject line when sending your resume and briefly describe the media placement you are most proud of securing. Cover letters are not required.

Pay: $70,377.12 - $85,690.73 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• This is not a marketing sales job. If you have done marketing sales, go away.
• Have you executed earned media relations campaigns.

Experience:

• Public Relations Agency: 3 years (Required)
• Public Relations: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Richmond, VA 23060