Account Director, Earned Media Strategy

Agency: Weber Shandwick Job Function: Media Job Subfunction: Earned Media Job Description: Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global communications agency – we’re an engagement agency. Our success is built on a deep commitment to our clients, our people, creativity, collaboration and engaging stakeholders in new and bold ways to build brand reputation and drive business results.    Our Toronto office is looking for a Director – Integrated Media —a strategic, vision-driven communications leader responsible for driving integrated media strategy, providing high-level client counsel, and managing major client accounts. In this role, you will lead cross-functional teams to shape cultural conversations for iconic consumer, corporate, and healthcare brands in Canada and globally.

You are a seasoned media strategist, client partner, and team leader who thrives at the intersection of culture, news, and brand purpose. You know how to elevate earned-first creative concepts into multi-channel campaigns that command attention and drive measurable business impact across both corporate affairs and consumer communications. You possess a deep understanding of today's complex stakeholder dynamics and bring a nuanced perspective on how brands build trust with consumers, media, and corporate stakeholders alike. If you are an inspiring mentor, a passionate builder of client relationships, and a champion of brave, culturally resonant storytelling, we want to hear from you.

Strategic Integrated Media & Campaign Leadership Lead the overarching earned media strategy for major accounts, seamlessly integrating earned, owned, paid, and creator ecosystems to maximize campaign resonance and ROI across both consumer and corporate affairs mandates. Serve as a trusted advisor and senior partner to client leaders and executive teams, providing high-level strategic counsel on brand reputation, media landscapes, crisis communications, corporate affairs, and narrative positioning. Spearhead story mining and creative strategy sessions with client executives and subject matter experts to uncover news-making hooks, corporate and executive positioning opportunities, and cultural entry points. Business Growth & New Business Development Identify expansion opportunities within existing client accounts, introducing agency capabilities across digital, creative, corporate reputation, and analytics to deepen client partnerships. Play a central role in driving new business pitches—from insights, research, and strategy formulation to deck development, team casting, and pitch presentation leadership. Talent Leadership, Coaching & DEI Directly manage, mentor, and coach a team of media professionals (Managers, Senior Associates, Associates), setting performance goals, guiding career paths, and conducting performance check-ins. Champion an inclusive, collaborative team dynamic that embraces diverse perspectives, actively participating in agency DE&I initiatives and inclusive hiring practices. Operational & Financial Management Oversee major account budgets, staffing allocations, fee projections, and SOW developments to ensure program profitability, prevent scope creep, and optimize agency resource utilization. Establish comprehensive campaign KPIs and frameworks that measure earned media impact against overarching client business objectives.

Corporate & Consumer Affairs Expertise: Deep understanding of both corporate affairs (reputation management, crisis/issues communications, executive positioning) and consumer affairs (brand storytelling, consumer media relations, trend integration, lifestyle/culture PR). Client Counsel & Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport at all levels. Integrated Media & Cultural Intelligence: Deep understanding of the modern media landscape, digital creator ecosystems, and pop culture trends; strong ability to identify emerging news hooks and