VP of Public Relations

JDA Worldwide is a full-service marketing and communications agency with a 20-year track record of scaling revenue and global impact for purpose-driven brands. Our team specializes in brand, creative, digital, development, and strategic communications. Come join our optimistic, people-first culture. We believe the best is yet to come because we're building it together.

Headquartered in downtown Indianapolis, JDA has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for 4 consecutive years. And we aren’t done growing. Having been named to the Inc. 5000 list for 8 consecutive years, we are looking to add more talent to our ambitious team.

Location: Hybrid role in the Indianapolis, IN (HQ) or Nashville, TN market

The Role

This individual will report to JDA’s CEO and oversee the work of the public relations team leaders to ensure that our clients are served with excellence. The VP of Public Relations will drive strategy on each account, proactively seek new media opportunities for all clients, and provide crisis or issues management strategy and execution to each partner we represent.

This leadership role will provide coaching, insight, and mentoring to all the Directors of Communications. The Directors will receive intentional, active support from the VP of Public Relations as they manage and lead strategy for their various clients. This position will also meet occasionally with the Account Managers and Publicity Specialists, as well as the clients themselves, to ensure client satisfaction, quality of service, and growth. This role will maintain, deepen, and develop new relationships with writers, editors, journalists, news anchors, producers, and others within the media landscape.

This is an executive level position and is responsible for aspects of performance reviews and hiring, in conjunction with the employment operations of Prolific (JDA’s parent company). This position will also work alongside JDA’s President to collaborate on the biggest opportunities presented to the PR practice, work together on crisis and issues management opportunities, and network and strategize with potential clients and advocates of JDA. The most competitive candidate will have deep public relations agency or government experience and, ideally, both.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategy on client accounts and projects, growth plans for new clients, and new avenues of business.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Directors of Communication, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Research and analyze industry trends, both in PR and client specific industries.
• Provide crisis management support and guidance to clients and account managers.
• Regularly check-in with clients to assess their level of satisfaction.
• Review, edit, and approve copywriting materials and oversee regular client reporting.
• Lead weekly team meetings and client meetings (as needed or requested).
• Partner with the President of JDA Worldwide and other industry experts to grow the knowledge and skills of the team.
• Measure and uphold quality control of the services provided by the JDA public relations team.
• Provide leadership and work collaboratively across the Prolific companies, integrating with other performance agencies and clients as needed.
• Expand network of media professionals by networking with writers, editors, journalists, anchors, and producers across a variety of sectors and media channels.

Requirements

• Masters or Bachelors in Public Relations, Strategic Communications, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of strong public relations and communications experience
• Broad media connections, particularly in Non-Profit, Higher Ed, Government, and Faith is preferred

Benefits

• Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k Matching Plan
• Flexible PTO + Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training + development opportunities
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Life insurance (100% company paid)
• Short-Term + Long-Term Disability (100% company paid)
• Hybrid work setting and casual dress
• On-site fitness center
• Free snacks + drinks available in the office
• Free downtown parking