Job Information
Ketchum Senior Account Executive, Sports in Chicago, Illinois
About Ketchum
As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication.
We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum!
Job Title: Senior Account Executive, Sports
Overview:
Ketchum is looking for a Senior Account Executive to join their Sports team!
In this role, you will be part of a close-knit group of sports-obsessed professionals who operate within one of the largest and most awarded global PR agencies in the world.
You will help conceive and execute sports-related PR programming across a range of sports properties and events including the NFL, MLB, NBA, Olympic Games, Esports, Racing, FIFA World Cup and NCAA. Ultimately, your job is to help sports leagues and brands tell great stories that fans and media will care about!
Responsibilities:
The ideal candidate is a team player that is curious, self-motivated and has a passion for the sports business industry. You are resourceful, digitally-savvy and culturally aware. While this role is a “specialist” within Ketchum, on this team you will have the opportunity to wear many hats and be willing to jump in on strategy development, writing materials, brainstorming creative ideas, pitching media, conceiving social content and counseling clients. You are excited to learn new skills – with the support of your teammates – that you have not developed from past experience.
Maintain regular contact with clients; proactively offer and implement new ways to meet client needs.
Play key role in planning and implementation of account activities including media relations, influencer engagement and event execution
Demonstrate ability to effectively develop full range of written materials including client correspondence, press releases, media pitches, reports, etc.
Conduct media outreach surrounding events and spokespeople.
Initiate implementation and logistical management of media events, press conferences/briefings, media tours, etc.
Ability to learn, understand and adapt information for working with different sports leagues -- from Esports to Olympics -- and apply that knowledge across various client business including brand PR, corporate sponsorship, etc.
Build understanding and knowledge of the clients’ business and their competitive environments.
Monitor media for all relevant sports and sports business trends; report to team with insights for clients.
Participate in program presentations to clients or new business presentations
Have an understanding of client service financial processes and learn the “business of the business” as part of an agency environment
Candidates should also be comfortable and familiar in working with athlete/celebrity spokespersons.
Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
Bachelor’s degree
Three to five years of experience in public relations
Experience working on teams to execute sports-related PR programming across a range of sport properties and events or experience working on big brands
Proficient in both traditional and social media from a strategic and tactical perspective, as well as enthusiasm for client service and account management.
Sports marketing experience a plus, but not a must
Excellent writing and presentation skills
A strong work ethic and team-first mindset
What We Offer
Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office
Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire
Paid maternity/paternity leave
Family Forming Benefits
Employee Recognition Program
Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule
Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life
Tuition reimbursement
Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement
Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you.
Ketchum is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws.
