Associate Vice President (AVP), Public Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Vice President (AVP), Public Relations

Brian Communications is a strategic communications agency, led by Brian Tierney, with expertise in strategic counsel and planning, branding and advertising, public relations and crisis communications. As one of the fastest-growing communications firms in the region with headquarters in Center City Philadelphia, we are currently seeking an Associate Vice President to join our growing team. This role is a full-time opportunity with a hybrid (WFH/Office) schedule – Center City office. The AVP serves as a senior client counselor, team leader, and key contributor to agency growth.

The Role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the strategic day-to-day lead for multiple client accounts, aligning communications programs with client business goals.
• Provide senior-level counsel on reputation management, executive visibility, crisis communications, and sensitive issues.
• Lead and oversee integrated communications programs spanning media relations, public affairs, social, stakeholder engagement, and executive positioning.
• Own account strategy, staffing plans, scopes of work, and budget oversight for small to mid-sized accounts.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships that drive retention and organic growth.
• Lead, mentor, and develop account team members through clear expectations, feedback, and coaching.
• Review, refine, and elevate written work including messaging, press materials, bylines, presentations, and thought leadership.
• Partner with agency leadership on new business pitches, proposals, and growth initiatives.
• Model strong collaboration, accountability, and inclusive leadership across teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in agency public relations or a similar client-services environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing multiple accounts, and overseeing budgets.
• Strong background in media relations, crisis communications, and executive-level counsel.
• Healthcare or regulated-industry experience preferred.

Skills & Requirements:

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to anticipate issues, solve problems proactively, and lead through complexity.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience with content and storytelling.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident, collaborative leader who contributes positively to agency culture.

Perks:

• Hybrid work schedule
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• 401k
• Amazing colleagues
• Comprehensive Parental Leave
• Employee recognition program (Bonusly)
• Various opportunities to enhance professional skills
• Active Employee Resource Groups
• Two week 'Work from Anywhere'
• Generous PTO policy
• Summer Fridays

We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.