📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Brand
🔹 Company: Zeno Group
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading large-scale brand programming in client service and earned media strategy
- Developing and executing integrated PR strategies and programs
- Ensuring excellence in client work and consistent quality
- Collaborating with internal teams and clients to drive business objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative mindset, with a strong focus on client service and team leadership.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead large-scale brand programming in client service, earned media strategy, team activation, and development, and new business
✅ Develop and execute integrated PR strategies and programs, including ongoing storytelling and product launch campaigns
✅ Collaborate with other agency SMEs and integrated teams across corporate, social media, influencer, and analytics
✅ Serve as a skilled client counselor, delivering on clients’ business objectives and navigating challenging conversations
✅ Support 1-2 large existing clients and participate in new business opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and work against deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: At least 8 years of consumer PR experience in an agency setting with large consumer brands
Required Skills:
- Expertise in total account management, including day-to-day account activity, traditional and emerging PR strategies, earned media landscape and insights, and creative PR programming
- Strong presentation skills and the ability to think on your feet
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to develop and deliver client presentations
- Proven leadership experience, mentoring, and developing junior talent
- Budgeting and day-to-day financial management for client programs
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with affiliate marketing in earned media
- Experience with sustainable products/brands
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in consumer PR, excellent communication skills, and proven leadership experience are ideal for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $95,000 to $156,000/year USD
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Mental health support and paid time off
- 401(k) plan, tuition assistance, and life insurance
- Financial coaching and ZenoFit program
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
Founded: 1998
Company Description:
- Zeno Group is a global, integrated communications agency born from PR
- Guided by the purpose to champion the courageous to achieve something better for humankind
- Winner of numerous industry awards, including PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year and U.S. Large Agency of the Year
Company Specialties:
- Consumer/Brand Marketing
- Health
- Digital Strategy
- Enterprise Technology
- Social Media
- Corporate/Public Affairs
- Reputation Management
- Technology
- Content Strategy
- Media Relations
- Stakeholder Outreach
- Research/Planning
- Sports/Entertainment
- Multicultural
- Consumer Technology
- Crisis/Issues Management
- Data Analytics
- Paid Media
- and Content Creation and Marketing
Company Website: http://www.zenogroup.com
ASSUMPTION: Zeno Group is a well-established and highly regarded communications agency with a strong focus on purpose-driven work.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role with significant responsibility for client programming and team management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the agency's leadership team and oversees a team of account managers and executives
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with a requirement to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the agency, taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a leadership role
- Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts and gain experience in various industries
- Chance to mentor and develop junior talent, contributing to the agency's overall success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Urban, downtown Chicago location
Office Location(s): 140 Broadway, New York, NY 10005, US (Note: The job is based in Chicago, but the provided address is for the company's headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major city with a diverse economy and a vibrant cultural scene
- The downtown area is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and offers ample opportunities for networking and professional growth
- The city is known for its world-class museums, theaters, and sports teams, providing ample opportunities for leisure and entertainment
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the agency's leadership team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale brand programming and execute integrated PR strategies
- Be ready to discuss your experience with client counseling and navigating challenging conversations
ATS Keywords: Brand Programming, Client Service, Earned Media Strategy, Team Activation, Account Management, PR Strategies, Client Counseling, Presentation Skills, Strategic Thinking, Leadership, Budget Management, Collaboration, Writing Skills, Mentoring, Candid Communication, Initiative
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- PR software and platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision, Agility PR Solutions)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using industry-standard PR software and project management tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Courage
- Curiosity
- Collaboration
- Craftsmanship
- Cultural competency
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on driving business value and societal impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embody the company's values, particularly courage and curiosity?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have experience driving business value and societal impact through strategic communications?
ASSUMPTION: Zeno Group values candidates who are courageous, curious, and committed to driving meaningful results for clients and the broader community.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and working against tight deadlines
- Navigating challenging client relationships and expectations
- Balancing the demands of client service with internal team management and development
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior PR roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on brand programming and earned media strategy
- Zeno Group's focus on purpose-driven work sets it apart from other communications agencies
- This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or move into a leadership role
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and the agency's focus on purpose-driven work when evaluating their fit for the position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing an integrated PR strategy for a major consumer brand launch
- Managing a team to secure high-profile media placements for a corporate client
- Leading a crisis communications effort for a non-profit organization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and creative thinking required for this role, as well as the ability to manage teams and deliver results.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does the agency measure success for this position, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to meet?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments or teams within the agency?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on brand programming, client service, and earned media strategy
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale brand programming and execute integrated PR strategies
- Be ready to discuss your experience with client counseling and navigating challenging conversations during your interviews
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
