Sefiani, part of Clarity Global Hiring for Account Director at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Full Time

CORPORATE & CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS ACCOUNT DIRECTOR/SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

At Sefiani, part of Clarity Global, we are agents of change. We do work that matters for positive change makers. ​We help organisations navigate the issues that matter, have a voice in the channels that matter, at the times that matter.​ We tell stories and create ideas that advocate change for a better future. ​

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Our long-held belief is that actions matter. It’s how trust is earned and positive change happens. ​It’s what makes us the trusted partner for organisations that are visionaries and agitators, the organisations that seize opportunity, that are leading change to create a better future.

This has helped us earn the status as Australia’s leading Issues, Crisis and Reputation agency; why we continue to be sought out to provide strategic communications advice to the C-Suite of the world’s most trusted brands; and why we won the Mumbrella CommsCon Best B2B Campaign for 2024 as well as being a Finalist for Large Agency of the Year and Best Employer.

As part of Clarity Global we combine the benefits of being a dynamic Australian agency with the opportunities, access and reach of an independent global agency with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Amsterdam as well as Sydney.

A rare opportunity has opened at Sefiani in Sydney for a seasoned Corporate & Crisis Communications professional following the move of a senior Sefiani colleague to New York. Strong growth and continued client demand means the successful candidate will bring a proven track record to drive our work for a number of marquee corporate and public affairs clients while also working within our global Crisis & Reputation Management team.

The Role:

The Account Director/Senior Account Director will be a high performer and skilled communicator with proven capabilities working in high-stakes environments. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide expert senior counsel to clients, help navigate issues or crisis situations with our senior crisis specialists, build/manage client reputations, prepare crisis preparedness plans, participate in crisis simulations, risk mapping and crisis media training with clients
• More broadly, identify and deliver organic positive news opportunities for clients, transform business outcomes into PR opportunities and deliver outstanding communications outcomes, while aligning to PR/marketing/business objectives
• Capably lead and manage client accounts, budgets and people inspiring trust and confidence
• Lead or contribute actively to persuasive presentations and communication strategy workshops
• Set and manage client expectations, including developing, implementing and tracking measurement and evaluation in line with program objectives
• Manage and mentor junior members, clearly outlining expectations and leveraging team members’ strengths to deliver results
• Build enduring relationships with clients as the key client contact where appropriate
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and scope to offer our full suite of integrated communications services
• Lead operational and financial performance of account teams, ensuring quality work, effective processes and that client requests are handled in timely and strategic fashion.

The successful applicant will demonstrate they:

• Have a minimum 6 years’ experience working in-house or agency, providing measured, considered advice with positive outcomes
• Have excellent personal presentation skills, a proven track record working effectively with the C-Suite or senior executive team at corporate and B2B clients
• Demonstrate a strong intellect and ability to quickly understand and navigate complex situations, counselling teams and clients with confidence
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Ideally be able to demonstrate recent experience in or an understanding of public affairs or an active interest in policy and agenda-led issues
• Have some experience in financial services. While not essential, it will be well regarded
• Have exceptional senior media relationships you can leverage to deliver positive outcomes for clients
• Possess strong writing skills across a range of channels and mediums including development of media releases, op-eds, speeches, blogs, LinkedIn posts, presentations, new business proposals and more – and can produce accurate content quickly and clearly to tight deadlines in crisis situations
• An understanding of, or experience working across other disciplines in the modern communications toolbox
• Have a growth mindset – an appetite to learn and grow as an individual, as well as mentor and nurture junior talent
• Be a confident presenter, collaborative, intellectually curious and flexible.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with an outstanding local team as well as connect with colleagues in London, New York, Los Angeles, Amsterdam and beyond.

We pride ourselves on our values-led behaviour: Respect, Aspire, Energise and Learn. Our REAL values form the basis of every action and decision within the agency, from hiring new employees to pursuing new business opportunities.

We are an agency with a heart and our work reflects our values. We always do the best by our people, our clients, and the community. And we are committed to working on causes about which we care deeply, to bring about change for the better.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and some great benefits including generous paid family leave policies, paid maternity and paternity leave, generous leave, flexible remote work policy, paid time off for volunteering, paid sabbatical, summer Fridays, and much more.

Sefiani, part of Clarity Global, is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and for our Clients. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff or Clients on the basis of age, disability, neurodiversity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.