Job description
APCO Worldwide - a leading global communications and strategy consultancy - is seeking an Associate Director in Beijing who will report directly to Managing Director, Beijing.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading client relationships, managing account teams, developing client deliverables and supporting business development. S/he will interface with all levels of staff and clients with the following primary responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
CLIENT SERVICE
§ Serves as the primary client contact and independently manages client relationships
§ Manages project teams, delegates tasks effectively and oversees the development of client deliverables to ensure high quality standards
§ Leads internal and client meetings and offers clients insights and suggestions
§ Provide strategy consultancy and execution support to clients with a focus on corporate communications, media relations, issue/crisis management and thought leadership building
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
§ Analyzes client requirements to develop scopes of work and budgets that are appropriate and profitable
§ Engages clients to effectively address issues, manage budgets and makes changes as necessary to improve account performance
§ Manages multiple projects/clients and effectively coordinates with other team leaders on project staffing
TEAM MANAGEMENT
§ Supervises a team of 3-5 project staff, develops team members’ skills, and offers coaching and mentoring
§ Promotes a healthy work environment based on respect and support of colleagues
§ Drives initiatives that recognize and reward people’s efforts/achievements
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
§ Proposes innovative solutions and creative ideas for current and prospective clients
§ Creates high quality proposals and pitch presentations
§ Works in close collaboration with other senior staff in Greater China to generate new business
§ Actively seeks opportunities for marketing APCO through thought leadership and networking activities
Skills & experience
Requirements & qualifications:
Education:Bachelor’s degree or above from an accredited college or university preferably in Public Administration, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, International Affairs, Business Administration or related fields; Master’s degree holder preferred
Experience:
- Minimum of 8 years of PR / strategic communications, public affairs or media experience in business strategy, communications, journalism or at a multi-national corporation or non-profit organizations
§ Previous experience developing and supporting communications (corporate communications, issues management, internal communications, crisis communications, etc.) plans across various industries (healthcare, food, education, technology sectors preferably) and subject areas
Core Skills:
- Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage projects, stakeholders and teams of both junior and senior colleagues in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrate exceptional writing and analytical skills, including experience writing strategic plans, messaging and press materials and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines
- Sound understanding of media landscape in China and globally, with strong relations with key media in China
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills; can-do attitude; collaborative team plater
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, media databases and social media networks
Languages: Native Chinese; Excellent English in speaking and writing