Public Relations Account Manager

Program Lead + Strategic Program Support Hybrid (Irvine, CA)The Smart Agency is an award-winning public relations, content, and marketing agency serving commercial real estate, housing, investment, and finance organizations nationwide.The Smart Agency is seeking an Account Manager to help execute communications programs across multiple client accounts and ensure campaigns stay organized, proactive, and aligned with strategy.Earned media including drafting press releases and quotes, supporting pitching efforts, and tracking placements is central to this role.Why This Role ExistsThis role connects communications strategy with execution.Account Managers help ensure that announcements, story ideas, and outreach efforts move forward smoothly and result in meaningful media coverage.What You’ll OwnAccount Managers help ensure communications programs:stay organized stay on schedule support client priorities produce consistent media coverage What You’ll DoSupport Earned Media ExecutionYou will:draft press releases and pitch materials prepare executive quotes support outreach campaigns maintain media lists track placement results help ensure coverage supports client positioning goalscollaborate across internal departments for designated client requestsprovide final review of production materials to clientsSupport Campaign ExecutionYou will:maintain editorial calendars coordinate timelines across teams track deliverables support announcement planning Support Executive-Level Communications WorkYou will:help prepare materials used by senior stakeholders support communications tied to announcements and milestones assist with positioning initiatives when priorities evolveWhat Makes This Role Challenging (and Interesting)This role involves managing multiple priorities across several clients at once.Strong candidates enjoy:working in fast-moving environments building relationships with reporters improving writing quickly supporting announcements from idea through coverage learning how strategy connects to execution What Success Looks Like in the First 6 MonthsWithin your first six months, you will typically:support several successful announcements strengthen pitching confidence build relationships with reporters contribute strong drafts across programs become a reliable execution lead across accounts Traits That Lead to SuccessStrong candidates:stay organized across multiple priorities stay calm and solutions-focused in fast-moving or ambiguous situationscommunicate clearly and professionally with clients, media, and internal teamstake initiative and follow through without needing constant directionapproach work with accountability, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learningenjoy building relationships with journalists How This Role GrowsPeople who succeed in this role often grow into:leading outreach strategy managing accounts independently shaping messaging direction becoming Senior Account ManagersExperience We’re Looking ForTypically:1–3 years of experience in public relations demonstrated success supporting media outreach and securing earned media placements confidence participating and leading in client communications and meetings strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlineswillingness to collaborate across teams and take initiative on client accountsIndustry familiarity preferred.