VP, Client Relations

Athena Communications

WE MANAGE BRANDS THAT inspire and impact LIVES AND COMMUNITIES. ATHENA COMMUNICATIONS is a full-service brand management firm headquartered in Milwaukee. We offer an array of public relations and communication services, but we’re not your typical PR firm.

What sets us apart? We only work with transformative clients. That is, clients that inspire us by their expertise, leadership, and skill – and the work to make an impact in the world.

As brand experts, we are uniquely positioned to develop a whole new approach to your brand identity and messaging. Whether an organization is a start-up or a Fortune 500 brand, we can help them achieve authenticity and success as a truly "transformative" brand.

We dedicate 100% of ourselves to each client, so we have to believe in the amazing work you’re doing in your field and the positive impact you’re having locally and globally. Second, we do not work on an a-la-carte basis. We work as true partners with our clients and provide specialized services and counsel to help our clients meet their objectives and priorities. Third, we focus on corporate and personal branding. Everyone has heard of branding, but very few know how to design and implement a successful branding strategy. Fourth, we meld tried-and-true communication tactics with our unique model of community engagement to achieve the best results for our clients. Finally, we have a stellar reputation for knowing how to get the job done right and for providing strategic and valuable counsel to our clients.

We are the team you have been looking for to help achieve your brand goals.

http://www.athenacommunicationsllc.com


Position Details

VP, Client Relations
Job
Part-time
7/1/2021
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

Are you passionate about the chance to bring your executive level and client relations experience to an innovative and fast-growing public relations firm? Do you have previous experience managing client relations and revenue growth? The vice president of client relations is a confident leader with an advisory/consulting experience, who builds and maintains trusted executive relationships with strategically beneficial large and medium accounts.

This executive will lead account management and the development & execution of client partnership strategies. This position is the point of contact responsible for specific internal and external oversight for assigned clients and staff; and will serve as the point of escalation for both client and internal organizational issues related to business growth. This person will be responsible for client retention by maintaining executive- and senior-level relationships and identifying additional opportunities with existing clients. They are responsible for assessing and managing the risk associated with our clients, as well as meeting client goals for each account. Strong thought leadership within Athena and within the public relations industry is required, along with the ability to bring new business solutions to our clients frequently, allowing them to understand the depth of Athena’s services. The vice president, client relations will work closely with the business development manager and chief of staff and perform any other duties assigned by the president & CEO.

Key responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the executive team to develop and maintain a pipeline consistent with Athena’s strategy. 
  • Establish relationships with potential customers and secure contracts with new customers that achieve assigned sales objectives and targets. 
  • Drive the entire sales cycle from initial client engagement to closed sales. 
  • Lead all aspects of deal execution, including prioritization of partners, strategic and client assessment, transaction structuring and negotiation. 
  • Consult with clients about challenges and discuss the range of service options and cost benefits of each. 
  • Develop and maintain key account plans that identify opportunities for Athena to deliver value, execute strategic initiatives, determine main stakeholders, buying processes and forecasted sales. 
  • Ensure effective ongoing management of key established client relationships, improving services as needed, and maintaining accountability for the health of each client. 
  • Demonstrate strong leadership through robust execution of projects and initiatives. 
  • Maintain integrity for the Athena-way by reviewing and executing Athena’s pre-client and client onboarding phase.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications or public relations is required or equivalent experience; a Master’s degree is a plus.
  • 10+ years of business development/consulting/advising/solution services with clients at the executive level and related new business development experience leading public relations activities.
  • Proven track record of effectively negotiating business agreements, account management and developing business relationships that improve company performance.
  • Possess a desire to be engaged in transformational work.
  • Ability to manage complex projects and multi-task with excellent organization skills.
  • Excellent internal and external communicator and strong interpersonal skills and communicate complex details simply.
  • Comfort with a fast-paced environment and changing requirements.
  • Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, be proactive, and handle uncertainty and ambiguity.
  • Can-do attitude, serving clients with a spirit of excellence, strategic thinker and passion for Athena’s services.
  • Conduct all business development activities with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
  • Ability to translate client needs into workable plans/projects.
  • Strong decision-making, people management and development skills.

Contracted position and compensation commensurate with experience and background.



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