📌 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: June 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 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
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and client stakeholders
- Providing strategic counsel and managing multiple priorities effectively
- Driving client programming and ensuring consistent excellence in quality of work
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in consumer PR, brand management, and strategic communications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in an agency setting and be comfortable working with large consumer brands.
📋 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 cross-functional teams, including corporate, social media, influencer, and analytics, to deliver comprehensive client solutions
✅ Provide strategic counsel to clients and navigate challenging conversations in real-time
✅ Manage day-to-day account activity, budgeting, and financial management for client programs
✅ Mentor and develop junior talent
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities effectively.
🎯 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:
- Proven 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 client counseling skills and the ability to deliver on clients’ business objectives
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
- 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: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consumer PR, brand management, and strategic communications. They will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities effectively.
💰 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, including a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and self-care time
- 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, and life insurance
- Free access to a certified financial coach
- ZenoFit program, providing a monthly allowance for personal activities that bring joy and keep employees healthy
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the ability to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Vice President role in consumer PR. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any 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 its purpose to champion the courageous to achieve something better for humankind, Zeno pushes boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients
- Winner of numerous industry awards, including PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, PRovoke Purpose-Driven Agency of the Year, and PRWeek Global 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
- 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 track record of success in the industry. The company is known for its innovative and strategic approach to communications and its commitment to driving real business value and societal impact for clients.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive/Management
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the agency's leadership team and is responsible for leading large-scale brand programming and client service
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the ability to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the agency's leadership team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and new business opportunities
- Chance to mentor and develop junior talent
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth and development opportunities for the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a proven track record of success in consumer PR and brand management.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with the ability to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person
Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history
- The city is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with the ability to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in an on-site environment and be able to commute downtown and be with local clients in-person as needed.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the leadership team
- Final interview with the agency's CEO or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to brand programming and client service
- Demonstrate your ability to think creatively and innovatively about communications strategies
ATS Keywords: Brand Programming, Client Service, Earned Media Strategy, Team Activation, New Business, Integrated PR Strategies, Client Counseling, Presentation Skills, Strategic Thinking, Leadership, Budget Management, Collaboration, Writing Skills, Mentoring, Integrated PR Strategies, Candid Communication
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be comprehensive and competitive, with a focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- PR software and platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision, Agility PR Solutions)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable using a variety of PR software and platforms, as well as Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant tools and technologies.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Courageous
- Inclusive
- Integrity
- Collaborative
- Accountable
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering excellence for clients
- Innovative and creative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Zeno Group's values and mission to champion the courageous to achieve something better for humankind?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in consumer PR, brand management, and strategic communications?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit for Zeno Group, with a passion for the agency's mission and values, and a proven track record of success in consumer PR and brand management.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Navigating challenging client conversations and providing strategic counsel in real-time
- Balancing the demands of client service and new business opportunities
- Adapting to the unique needs and preferences of diverse client stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities effectively. They will also be a strong communicator and strategic thinker, able to navigate challenging conversations and adapt to the unique needs of diverse client stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Vice President, Brand roles in the industry, but may require more experience and expertise in consumer PR and brand management
- The agency's focus on pushing boundaries and driving real business value and societal impact for clients sets it apart from other communications agencies
- This role offers significant growth and development opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential for career advancement within the agency's leadership team
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consumer PR, brand management, and strategic communications, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing an integrated PR strategy for a major consumer brand launch
- Managing a team of account executives and supporting staff to deliver excellence in client programming
- Providing strategic counsel to a client facing a significant reputational challenge
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on high-profile client accounts and managing teams to deliver excellence in client programming.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the agency's approach to brand programming and earned media strategy?
- How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the agency measure the success of its brand programming and earned media strategies?
- What is the agency's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be curious and engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the agency's approach to brand programming, earned media strategy, and employee development and growth.
📌 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 for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching the agency's approach to brand programming and earned media strategy, as well as its values and mission
- Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to brand programming and client service, as well as your ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of the interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
