Account Director – PR & Communications

About the role

The Account Director will lead the client relationship, account team and commercial performance for a leading telecommunications client within Publicis Groupe Africa. Acting as a trusted adviser, you will translate business priorities into effective PR and integrated communication programmes while ensuring delivery against scope and budget.

Key responsibilities

• Develop strategic and tactical communication proposals, lead client meetings, manage expectations and oversee account plans and calendars.
• Guide writing and editing, lead media‑relations planning, maintain strong South African media relationships and oversee media monitoring, coverage tracking and reporting.
• Track scope, fees and billing, ensure profitability, develop new business proposals and identify organic‑growth opportunities.
• Delegate to account managers, coach the team, conduct performance reviews and support recruitment and capability building.
• Lead practical use of approved AI tools in research, proposal development and reporting, ensuring responsible adoption and human oversight.

Required profile

• Proven account‑director‑level experience leading PR or communications portfolios and client‑service teams.
• Strong knowledge of the South African media landscape with established media relationships and pitching ability.
• Experience managing scope, profitability and staff development, familiar with Chase or comparable account systems.
• Hands‑on experience implementing AI in communications work with measurable benefits.

Required skills

• Chase (or comparable) account management system.
• AI‑enabled research, synthesis and reporting tools.