Vice President, Consumer

SHIFT is seeking a Vice President to lead and grow our unique consumer practice based in our Boston office. In this role, you will lead a distributed team of dedicated consumer PR pros; manage a diverse book of business of legacy clients and lead the charge in new business development – from lead generation to winning in the room.

Vice Presidents must have a solid understanding of all facets of performance communications, fundamental business principles and a demonstrated record of developing and executing successful public relations strategies and programs while closely managing budgets.

Strong personnel management skills are vital as Vice Presidents play a prominent role in mentoring and guiding the professional development of a large and continually growing team. A proven track record pitching and closing new business is required, as is a commitment to supporting new business and recruitment efforts through active participation in networking and industry events.

Vice Presidents are also expected to exhibit leadership and initiative through contribution to broader Agency initiatives including training and specialty offerings that generate growth opportunities for staff, clients and/or prospects.

• 10+ years of public relations experience with a track record of success and increasing responsibility in an agency or fast-paced client environment (agency experience is required)
• A deep knowledge of New England’s culture and media landscape
• The ability to be in our Boston office three days a week – some travel will also be required
• Experience in food and beverage, CPG/wellness, travel and hospitality, quick service restaurants, “tech-sumer” and retail is preferred
• A deep understanding of today’s consumer – from micro to macro shifts – and how those trends are impacting people’s purchasing power and the brands they engage with
• Experience creating data-driven integrated campaigns and reporting out how they move business outcomes
• Knowledge of market research and audience insights that should be incorporated into idea generation and client programs
• The ability to form strong client relationships
• A demonstrated record of developing and executing successful public relations strategies and programs while closely managing budgets.
• Experience in influencer marketing, affiliate marketing and social media best practices; with knowledge of what it takes to create earned media campaigns and sponsored opportunities
• Strong personnel management and mentoring skills
• A willingness to actively contribute to making our agency a better place to work

• Leading SHIFT’s Consumer Team by guiding multi-disciplinary teams in the design, sell-in and execution of evidence-driven, integrated communications plans and programs that move the needles your clients care about.
• Providing clients with strategic counsel to achieve earned, owned, social and paid results that reach the clients’ business objectives.
• Being an idea generator and creative genius for client programs to reach audiences across PESO channels.
• Collaborating with experts across the network who can strengthen your team’s efforts, and/or whom your team’s expertise can help strengthen theirs.
• Ensuring all clients are kept informed on emerging trends, actively engaged in our relationship and delighted with our work.
• Taking the lead on new business pitches; identifying strategic insights that map back to messaging and integrated creative concepts.
• Identifying and securing upsell/cross sell opportunities with existing clients.
• Broadening our base of relationships within each client organization beyond the day-to-day PR teams into the C‑Suite.
• Setting performance standards for your team and tackling performance issues quickly and empathically.
• Coaching and mentoring your team, and actively championing for their continued growth through professional development and goal setting
• Taking an active role in agency culture and the network – participating in committees and trainings that enhance SHIFT and its people
• Contributing to SHIFT’s content engine to help cement SHIFT as voice of authority/credibility and you as a thought leader in the consumer space.
• Building…