Junior Account Director

Summary We are looking for a proactive and commercially-minded Junior Account Director to join Europe's leading independent advisory communications firm in B2B/B2C tech and venture capital, working with clients ranging from Europe's fastest-growing startups to well-known international pre or post IPO companies who are shaping the future.  Reporting to Associate Director/Managing Director level, you will serve as client advisor offering strategic business and media advice and ensuring client satisfaction across a portfolio of accounts, operating autonomously and as a key part of a fun and dynamic team in Ballou's London office during an exciting period of growth for the agency.  About you

• 6+ years' experience in media relations/strategic communications, including at least 3 years within a PR/communications agency, with demonstrated expertise in tech.
• Deep understanding of the B2B/B2C tech and venture capital ecosystem.
• Established, strong relationships with reporters, editors and producers across national, digital, broadcast and trade media.
• Excellent writer, comfortable with complex technical subject matter and data-led narratives.
• Proven experience managing and developing a small team.
• Strong strategic leadership presence, able to act as a trusted advisor at executive level.
• Proven experience in the new business process - from actively participating in proposal development to pitching and winning new business. What we offer
• Salary: competitive
• Benefits include:
• Holiday entitlement - 26 days excluding bank holidays, plus 3 additional days over the Christmas/New Year shutdown period
• Regular socials including monthly activities and drinks
• Free breakfast in the office
• Regular training sessions with internal and external speakers
• Flexible working - hybrid working from Ballou's London office (mandatory 1 day per week in office), with regular exposure to Ballou's Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and US teams and clients.
• A fast career progression path.
• Work with category-defining clients - unicorns, pre-IPO and listed businesses, and leading VC funds. Responsibilities & Duties Client management
• Act as the day-to-day strategic advisor to senior clients, owning the client-agency relationship.
• Manage multiple accounts simultaneously, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery and measurable business results.
• Own account profitability: scoping retainers accurately, identifying potential scope creep early or resourcing needs.
• Build trust and rapport with senior/executive stakeholders contributing as senior counsel.
• Set clear deliverables and KPIs, and review these with clients regularly.
• Lead account teams to ensure client expectations are not just met, but exceeded. Strategic Communications
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of the B2B and B2C tech and VC media landscape, including emerging and "new media" outlets and trends.
• Develop and execute C-suite thought leadership campaigns that drive awareness and impact across top-tier media.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior clients on messaging, media positioning and storytelling across earned and owned channels.
• Identify and pursue emerging media opportunities, using trend-based pitching and proactive storytelling to keep clients ahead of the market.
• Monitor media trends, competitive coverage and industry narratives to give clients proactive, data-driven guidance.
• Work confidently across Ballou's international network, coordinating multi-market campaigns for clients expanding across Europe and the US.
• Contribute to specialist mandates (crisis communications, IPO/financial comms, public affairs) as accounts require. Team
• Manage and mentor 2-3 direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching and guidance on professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment with high standards of accountability, creativity and client service.
• Lead by example on time-keeping, excellent quality of work, and media and client knowledge.
• Manage up - involving senior/executive team members as appropriate.
• Strong experience working in global agency environments and with international clients. Agency/New Business
• Identify and act on organic growth opportunities within existing client accounts.
• Proactively seek and develop your network for new business opportunities. 
• Contribute to development of new business pitches and proposals, from strategy to delivery.
• Develop ideas and support the organisation of Ballou events (roundtables, media events etc). 
• Act as an ambassador for Ballou at industry/media events, conferences, and in networking opportunities.