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Freelancer Account Director, Earned Media

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Who We Are

Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global PR agency – we’re an engagement agency and we’re working in and around the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We’re storytellers, content creators, and we engage people IN the story. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service and to our people. We embrace creativity and collaboration, and we engage stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputations.

Account Director, Earned Media Strategy (Consumer Practice)

Are you ready to shape the conversation for brands the world loves? 

Forget what you know about traditional CPG roles. We’re seeking a creative powerhouse and media maestro to join our team, working across two of the most dynamic and beloved portfolios: Petcare and Snacking. This isn’t just about getting press; it’s about making a cultural impact for iconic brands that inspire everything from moments of everyday happiness to creating a better world for pets.

You’re fluent in internet culture, can spot a trend before it goes viral, and have the media relationships to prove it. From top-tier lifestyle publications and podcasts to the next big thing on Substack, you know how to craft stories that don’t just get placed – they get noticed. If you’re ready to bring the hustle, creativity, and strategic mind to a place where you can make a real difference, let’s talk.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Become a Master Storytelling: You’ll be the architect of compelling earned media campaigns. From ideation to execution, you will craft newsworthy angles and proactive pitches that tap into the cultural zeitgeist, ensuring our brands are always part of the conversation.
• Lead with Cultural Curiosity: Your finger is always on the pulse. You’ll be our go-to expert for what’s buzzing and what’s next, identifying real-time opportunities to inject our brands into trending moments with authenticity and flair.
• Champion Client & Campaign Excellence: Serve as a trusted senior counselor to our client partners, delivering consistently brilliant work. You’ll collaborate with a team of all-stars across the agency to bring large-scale, integrated campaigns to life with sharp attention to detail.
• Cultivate Media Mastery: Build and nurture incredible relationships with top-tier media across every vertical that matters – from business and entertainment to wellness, sports, and, of course, pet-centric outlets.
• Mentor the Next Generation: Part of your role is to inspire and grow our junior team members, guiding them with hands-on feedback and helping them develop into the industry’s next top talent.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Proven Experience: 6-8 years of experience in earned media and communications, with a track record of leading projects from start to finish.
• Media Relations Savvy: You have a “golden rolodex” and a deep understanding of the modern media landscape. Experience with CPG, Pet, or Food & Beverage brands is a huge plus!
• Strategic Mindset: You’re a critical thinker who can connect the dots between brand goals and cultural trends to create innovative strategies.
• Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a team environment and know how to build strong relationships with clients and partners to get things done.
• Unstoppable Drive: You bring relentless energy, a client-first attitude, and an unwavering commitment to quality in everything you do.

Salary range: $75-$90 per hour

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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