Senior Account Executive, Food, Beverage + Agriculture

Senior Account Executive, Food, Beverage + Agriculture

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; New York, United States

Padilla is looking for a dynamic Senior Account Executive (SAE) to support integrated programs that create real impact within our thriving food, beverage and agriculture practice. In this role, you'll take ownership of day-to-day client work, program execution, bring structure and clarity to complex programs and play a critical role in how work gets done across the team.

As an SAE on our team, you will support and shape communications that influence the future of food, beverage and agriculture. The brands and organizations we work with span the full food system. Much of our work focuses on sustainability, innovation and demand generation across agriculture, food and beverage brands and commodity and trade organizations. The work is complex, highly integrated and deeply connected to real-world impact.

This SAE role is ideal for a marketing and communications professional who thrives on details, running the day-to-day, translating strategy into execution and helping teams operate at a higher level. You will serve as a reliable connection point between account leaders and junior staff, ensuring work is organized, proactive and delivered with confidence.

As an SAE, you'll use your strong understanding of media, digital and emerging technologies including AI tools that enhance creativity, analytics and efficiency to deliver results that move clients' businesses forward. You'll also contribute to strategy by translating direction into effective execution, mentoring junior team members and bringing fresh ideas to the table.

What You'll Do

• Own execution and operational excellence: Own day-to-day execution for assigned accounts by translating strategy into clear plans, managing workflows, anticipating and resolving issues early, communicating proactively (reporting up and down, providing unsolicited updates) and bringing structure and momentum to complex, fast-moving work.
• Plan and execute integrated campaigns: Develop and implement strategic communications programs across earned, owned, shared, and paid channels including digital content, social media, influencer collaborations, media outreach and partnerships/activations.
• Manage budgets, scopes and financial accountability: Own and assist in the development of client budgets, scopes of work, timelines. Manage vendor relationships and staffing plans. Monitor work-in-progress, flag risks early and course-correct as needed to ensure fiscal responsibility and delivery against commitments.
• Drive results through content and storytelling: Write and edit compelling digital and social media content, press materials, bylined articles, and thought leadership that reflect brand voice and strategy.
• Leverage digital and AI tools: Use AI-assisted writing, monitoring, and analytics platforms to uncover insights, streamline workflow, and optimize content for engagement and reach.
• Excel at media relations as part of a broader skillset: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and creators. Identify trends and opportunities, craft strategic pitches, and consistently secure earned coverage across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Analyze and report results: Track program performance, manage metrics dashboards and translate analytics into clear, actionable recommendations for clients.
• Support and develop others: Provide hands-on coaching to assistant and account executives through clear direction and real-time feedback, helping them build confidence and stronger day-to-day execution.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with others outside of the core food, beverage and agriculture team, such as creative, digital, and strategy teams to ensure fully integrated, insight-driven campaigns.
• Contribute to business growth: Participate in new business efforts by developing proposals, presenting ideas, and identifying potential opportunities to expand client partnerships.
• Stay ahead of trends: Continuously explore food media, food trends, new technologies, platforms, and best practices across the communications and digital landscape to enhance client strategies, keeping your team updated on what's new and what's next.

What You'll Bring

• 45 years of experience in public relations, integrated marketing communications, or digital media.
• Proven success managing client accounts and leading project teams.
• A genuine interest and working experience in food, beverage, and/or agriculture, with curiosity about sustainability, innovation and the business realities shaping the food system. Knowledge of food and beverage trends, including relevant channels such as grocery and restaurants.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across formats and channels.
• Experience with digital analytics, media monitoring, and social publishing platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Sprout Social, Google Analytics).
• Interest in and familiarity with AI-powered communications tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Jasper, Brandwatch or equivalent).
• An understanding of how to balance creativity, data, and strategy to deliver measurable results.
• Strong soft skills, including sound judgment, initiative, assertiveness and the ability to manage up, down and across teams with confidence and respect.
• A proactive mindset, strong judgement and collaborative approach, with a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

At Padilla, we're storytellers, strategists, and innovators. We believe great work comes from curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. You'll be part of a team that values continuous learning, leverages technology (including AI) to stay ahead, and delivers meaningful communications that make a difference for our clients and the world.

US salary range $65,000 - $75,000 USD