Vice President, Brand

 About The Role: 

Zeno Group is seeking a seasoned Brand VP to lead large-scale Brand Programming in client service, earned media strategy, team activation and development and new business. This role will be critical to driving client programming and ensuring consistent excellence in the quality of work delivered to clients. 

In this role, you’ll develop and execute integrated PR strategies and programs in our Brand practice. You must be an expert in the areas of total account management including day-to-day account activity, traditional and emerging PR strategies, earned media landscape and insights and creative PR programming. This role will work closely with other agency SMEs as part of a large integrated team and collaborate across corporate, social media, influencer and analytics. This person should also be a skilled client counselor with the ability to deliver on clients’ business objectives and navigate challenging conversations in real-time. 

In this role, you have the opportunity to support 1-2 large existing clients and will also participate in new business opportunities. We’re looking for masters of the craft who will roll up their sleeves, stay close to the work and energize teams. 

This role must be based in Chicago with the ability to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person. 

We’re looking for someone who is:  

A self-starter – takes initiative and isn’t afraid to think outside the box. 

Collaborative – has experience working on large integrated teams and is a partner to both internal colleagues and the IAT. 

A connector – our culture and business is built on meaningful relationships with each other and our client.  

Be good in a room – have strong presentation skills and be able to think on their feet. 

Kind, but candid – operates with the right balance of empathy, efficiency and direct communication to motivate internal team morale and client satisfaction. 

Have fun – we love what we do and who we do it with, and hope you would, too. 

• At least 8 years of consumer PR experience in an agency setting with large consumer brands.  
• A history of success in providing sound creative and strategic counsel to clients and building credibility and rapport with senior level client contacts. 
• Collaborative spirit, results driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work against deadlines. 
• Experience successfully overseeing 360 integrated brand programs, including both ongoing storytelling (news bureau) and product launch campaigns. 
• Expertise across the earned media landscape with the ability to develop effective earned media strategies for our clients that deliver results. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, creatively, and holistically about client programs. 
• Experience in drafting and presenting new business pitches. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, the ability to “think on your feet” and respond quickly as business factors shift. 
• Excellent writing skills and strong presentation skills with experience developing and delivering client presentations. 
• Proven leadership experience, mentoring, and developing junior talent. 
• Budgeting, and day-to-day financial management for client programs. 

• Experience with affiliate marketing in earned media. 
• Experience with sustainable products/brands. 

ABOUT US

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS 

Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US. 

Zeno Group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage racially and ethnically diverse people, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, parents, individuals with disabilities and members of any and all protected classes to apply.