Account Director - Beauty

Purple is actively seeking a bright, enthusiastic, and entrepreneurial Account Director to join its thriving beauty division reporting in directly to the VP & SVP of the division. The right candidate will have excellent press contacts and demonstrate a high degree of initiative and creativity when proactively proposing new ideas. They will also be an articulate presenter, possess good writing skills, be competent at media analysis, and report and thrive on attention to detail. Based in Chelsea, New York, PURPLE represents several luxury beauty brands; including, Atelier Cologne, Boscia, Dr. Jart+, Eve Lom, Kevyn Aucoin, Ilia Beauty, RéVive Skincare, and more, with several exciting, new client wins to be announced soon. This is a new role created to support new business.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee the beauty division clients and team structure to ensure consistent growth and development
• Regular interaction & communication amongst other divisions in the agency, to maximize opportunities
• Attendance and participation at key agency & industry events

COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGY

• Creatively & strategically plan and implement PR campaigns, partnerships, and events
• Develop key messages, and Q&A to executive leaders for press interviews and external events
• Proactively pitch development ideas to achieve maximum editorial placement
• Manage and oversee press events, new product launch events, and desk sides
• Manage the budgeting processes for the department, all campaigns, and events
• Oversee the team’s creation of press materials that are both visually appealing and informative

CLIENT & TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Day-to-day lead on senior-level communication with all clients, building rapport and credibility with the client, based on trust and expert counsel
• Ensure client satisfaction with the agency, services, and staff, and quickly and effectively resolve client problems or concerns
• Excellent team skills, working alongside junior and senior members of the agency
• Manage, coach, and motivate junior members of the team to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly and PR results are delivered; while supporting them in their growth to the next level
• Liaise with UK team on mutual clients when necessary
• Liaise with team members cross-divisionally to ensure that creative and strategic activities for brands are fully developed and unique to those suggested by competitive agencies
• Be efficient and organized with excellent time management skills and adherence to deadlines

• Oversee the creation and completion of client reports and presentations; including strict attention to campaign evaluation and metrics

NETWORKING & NEW BUSINESS

• Strong knowledge and connections with the top editorial beauty influencers; focusing on session stylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, skincare experts, perfumers, fitness trainers, and their respective representatives
• Participate and contribute to the agency's new business efforts alongside AD
• Established, strong industry contacts with high-level beauty press, both online and in print, and with key beauty bloggers
• Bring dynamic, creative insight into the agency through personal contacts network, and interests, resulting in new business leads and the expansion of the agency’s influencer network

TREND & COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

• Strong understanding and current knowledge of industry trends and competitive brand activity within the beauty and corresponding fashion and lifestyle industries
• Timely reporting of emerging trends, relevant industry news, and competitor activity to clients to further emphasize Purple’s leadership position within the beauty industry and amongst new technologies and VIP relationships

Criteria

• Superior high-level media contacts and broadcast, print, and online media
• Exceptional problem-resolution skills, including the ability to think creatively and prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic and fast-paced environment Ability to be a team player in an environment that requires and rewards collaboration Experience in large-scale budget management essential. A sharp eye for detail is essential. Ability to work efficiently in a highly pressured and fast-paced environment. Experience in managing and leading a team. Ability to think creatively.  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Social media awareness with an understanding of online communities.