Position Overview
As an Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating the day-to-day delivery of PR and integrated marketing accounts. You will oversee client relationships, develop and execute tactical communications plans, and ensure work is delivered on time, on budget, and to the Cognito standard. This role requires strong project management, client relationship management, and tactical planning skills.
We are seeking an account manager with experience in one or both of the following areas:
- Working knowledge of capital markets, institutional finance, or investment management, with the ability to quickly grasp complex financial instruments, market structures, and regulatory frameworks.
- Foundational understanding of ESG, sustainable finance, carbon markets, and climate transition themes within a financial context. Optional familiarity with key regulatory developments such as CSRD, SFDR, TCFD, or taxonomy frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Account Management: Proactively manage a portfolio of client retainers and projects, developing solid working relationships through regular and proactive communication.
- Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, providing strategic communications guidance and ensuring client needs are met effectively.
- Campaign Planning & Execution: Identify client objectives and determine the best communications channels to achieve them. Develop and execute tactical communications plans aligned with client goals.
- Team Coordination: Help lead account teams both locally and internationally, delegating tasks appropriately and overseeing the work of Account Executives to ensure quality deliverables.
- Project Management: Ensure account activity is managed efficiently to deadlines and budgets. Oversee the preparation of all client-facing materials including briefing notes, reports, and content.
- Media Relations: Proactively manage and maintain relationships with key journalists, influencers, and vendors as appropriate to secure client deliverables.
- Content Development: Manage and take responsibility for the approval process with clients for all materials drafted. Ensure high standards across all content creation, including press releases, thought leadership pieces, media pitches, and social media content.
- Crisis Management: Monitor potential PR issues and emerging crises across media channels. Provide support to the team during critical situations, including drafting relevant materials.
- Reporting & Analysis: Monitor progress of projects and campaigns, making recommendations for modifications where appropriate.
- Budget Management: Prepare estimates and draft proposals for retainers and projects while ensuring work remains within agreed financial parameters.
- Business Development: Participate proactively in new business proposals and pitches, identifying opportunities to introduce appropriate Cognito services to clients.
Skills and Experience
- Established professional with proven track record in PR, communications, or related field, demonstrating strong project management, client relationship management, and tactical planning skills.
- Solid knowledge of financial services and technology sectors.
- Established media contacts in the financial and financial technology space.
- Good knowledge of social media with an understanding of multi-channel PR strategies across paid, owned, and earned media.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
- Proven ability to manage and delegate work with a track record in managing several projects simultaneously.
- Requires minimal supervision to manage projects.
- Team player with demonstrated ability to show enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment with initiative and a persuasive manner.
- Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Advanced level of creativity, ability to think “outside the box” and to multi-task.
- Strategic thinking capabilities with proven ability to execute quality output under tight deadlines.
- Encourages a productive, collaborative, and positive team culture.
Our identity
Cognito is a full-service communications agency working at the intersection of finance, technology and the climate transition. We have a strong international footprint with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific.
Our strength is in our specialization and our clients trust our deep knowledge and expertise. We work with leading global brands and innovative start-ups.
Our global team is deeply connected across international markets, collaborating with journalists, influencers, clients, experts and partners. We help clients strengthen their reputation, and drive business growth by harnessing the power of storytelling and strategic use of earned, paid, shared and owned communications channels.
Continuous learning and curiosity keep us at the forefront of the latest developments, which gives us an edge to cultivate knowledge when working with our clients to communicate what is next.
This starts with our people and our values:
- We celebrate difference by bringing together the best talent from varied backgrounds, tied together by an innate intellectual curiosity to connect meaningfully.
- Through our drive to champion excellence, we strive to lead the way to a connected, sustainable and responsible future.
- We are hungry to understand the problems organizations face.
- We are focused on driving business outcomes for our global clients.
- We are creative and agile – leading to smart strategies and exceptional work.