Account Director, Automotive

PR Account Director, Automotive (Contractor) Interdependence is a dynamic, innovative, and results-focused public relations, communications, and integrated marketing firm. Powered by proprietary technology, we help brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs elevate their businesses and achieve meaningful outcomes. With a vibrant team of nearly 100 full-time professionals across the country and continued rapid growth, Interdependence is proud to be recognized as "One of America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes. At Interdependence, we foster a collaborative, supportive, and performance-oriented work environment. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, innovate, and pursue opportunities for professional growth. Our commitment to delivering exceptional client results spans industries including consumer brands, travel, entertainment, automotive, technology, healthcare, and professional services. We embrace a diverse, inclusive culture that values creativity and excellence. Position Overview Interdependence is seeking a strategic, well-connected, and entrepreneurial PR Account Director – Automotive (Contractor) to lead high-profile client programs across the automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on luxury and high-end automotive brands. This contract role combines hands‑on client leadership, strategic planning, experiential activation, and influencer/celebrity engagement. The Account Director will serve as the senior day‑to‑day client contact, responsible for delivering measurable outcomes, orchestrating premium events and product launches, and shaping narratives that elevate our clients' presence in competitive automotive and luxury lifestyle markets. Key Responsibilities Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel Serve as senior lead for automotive account – 20 to 30 hours per week – providing high-level strategy, vision, and counsel to brand, marketing, and executive stakeholders. Build trusted partnerships with client executives, aligning PR and integrated programs to drive measurable business and brand impact. Oversee integrated communications programs, including product launches, executive visibility, lifestyle storytelling, and brand positioning within the luxury and performance automotive landscape. Anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions to ensure long‑term client success. Events & Experiential Activation Lead the strategy, planning, and flawless execution of high-touch automotive events, including vehicle launches, ride‑and‑drive programs, auto shows, concours events, press previews, and VIP experiences. Manage event logistics, vendor partners, talent coordination, and on‑site execution to deliver brand‑defining moments. Develop experiential concepts that connect automotive clients with luxury, lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment audiences. Influencer & Celebrity Engagement Leverage existing relationships with top‑tier influencers, tastemakers, and celebrity talent to drive brand visibility and cultural cachet. Lead influencer and celebrity seeding, partnerships, and integrations across product launches and tentpole moments. Oversee talent vetting, contracting, and on‑site management at events, drives, and brand experiences. Identify culturally relevant moments and personalities that align with each client's positioning. Media Strategy & Thought Leadership Lead development of integrated media relations programs that secure meaningful, business‑impacting coverage across automotive, lifestyle, luxury, and business outlets. Shape executive narratives and messaging frameworks for complex automotive stories — including design, performance, innovation, heritage, and lifestyle angles. Cultivate and maintain relationships with top automotive journalists (Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road & Track, Robb Report, duPont REGISTRY, etc.) as well as luxury lifestyle and consumer media. Oversee production of strategic content including press releases, bylines, and feature pitches. Team & Project Management Direct cross‑functional internal teams and external partners to deliver high‑quality work with efficiency and precision. Provide direction and feedback to account staff and contractors supporting the business. Manage program budgets, timelines, and staffing allocations across concurrent initiatives. Qualifications 10+ years of PR or communications experience, with significant agency experience supporting automotive clients; experience with luxury or high‑end automotive brands is a strong plus. Proven track record leading integrated PR programs that include large‑scale events, influencer partnerships, and celebrity engagement. Established relationships with automotive and lifestyle media, as well as influencer and talent networks. Deep understanding of the automotive landscape, including key trends across luxury, performance, EV, and emerging mobility. Exceptional writing, pitching, and storytelling abilities. Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and client portfolios. Strong presentation, negotiation, and client relationship‑building skills. Comfortable working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, all‑remote environment with frequent travel to events and on‑site activations. Available to work on a contract basis – 20 to 30 hours per week – with flexibility to scale hours around client programs and event cycles. The Engagement This is a contract position with competitive project‑or‑retainer‑based compensation, flexible remote work, and the opportunity to work alongside a top‑tier agency team on premier automotive and luxury brand programs. 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