Account Manager

WHO IS GTB?

GTB (a VML company) is a global precision-marketing agency, creating ideas that inspire people to act. Founded in 2007 to accelerate performance for the world’s most iconic brands, GTB is part of WPP’s industry-leading network of companies driving creative transformation. GTB works across six continents with offices worldwide.

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In Pittsburgh, GTB is responsible for managing the advertising (both traditional & digital), creative, strategy, analytics, PR, community relations & strategic partnerships for the Pittsburgh Region Ford Dealers (aka Neighborhood Ford Store). Neighborhood Ford Store represents the 76 Ford dealerships spanning from Greater Pittsburgh to parts of West Virgina, Ohio, & Maryland who contribute to a central advertising fund managed by an elected Board of Directors. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION / POSITION SUMMARY:

The Account Manager – PR & Community Engagement is a key member of the GTB Pittsburgh team and works under the direction of the Client Engagement / Account Director and the Board of Directors remotely out of the Pittsburgh area. 

The primary responsibility of the Account Manager is to manage the day-to-day functions on the Neighborhood Ford Store’s public relations, community engagement, event management, and social media presence. 

The Account Manager will work within a multi-disciplined account team in a client-facing role which provides extensive autonomy. The role also offers opportunities to represent the Social, Community Engagement, & Communications disciplines, driving results and growth across the broader business. Much will be asked of the Account Manager and a “can do” attitude and spirit is necessary for success. The way we reach consumers through our efforts is always evolving and a desire to find new ways to connect consumers with Ford brand/product will be embraced.

The role is remote but requires the candidate to be physically located in the greater Pittsburgh area and to have access to reliable transportation. This role has some non-traditional hours and requires regular appearances out in the field attending community events, meetings, shoots and making visits to dealerships, partners, and clients.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES / PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The nature of the Account Manager’s (AM) position requires ongoing and frequent interactions with agency teams, clients, and external vendors/partners.
• Internal to Agency – the AM has daily contact with and provides clear project direction on deliverables and timelines to all team members in Client Engagement (Account Services).
• External to Agency – the AM has contact with the Board of Directors and Neighborhood Ford Store partners & vendors regarding contracted events, traditional & social media opportunities, community initiatives, & dealer engagement. 
• Regular regional travel is required in and around the Pittsburgh area and does include events on nights and weekends at times. Employee will work remotely when not working in the field.
• Develop relationships with clients managing their expectations and needs.
• Proactively identify opportunities based on key insights to enhance the overall profile and public perception of Neighborhood Ford Store. This includes media procurement, social media management, activation & experiential event management, & event planning. 
• Manage organic social media channels on behalf of Neighborhood Ford Store creating content, posting regularly, & monitoring pages actively.
• Working with local media, community partners, schools, & sports teams to organize, drive coverage, attend, & capture content at events throughout the year. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Pittsburgh Today Live & other Media segments
  • Local High Schools for Driving Skills for Life presentations
  • Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, & Pirates games and activations
  • Local Hospitals & Ford Dealerships for community initiatives
  • Pittsburgh Region Dealer In-Person Board Meetings (roughly six per year)
  • Pittsburgh Auto Show
  • Bronco Wild Fund Events

• PR & Community Work entails:
  • Generating coverage and awareness of Neighborhood Ford Store in and around the local community.
  • Generating content at events and managing relationships with local media.
  • Managing third party vendors such as photographers and event staff.
  • Working with client partners on executing and planning initiatives with tasks such as taking photos at events and distributing to media, uploading content to social media, organizing & executing sweepstakes, writing & distributing copy, and press. releases, assisting in writing scripts & talking points, securing signage & asset printing, getting vehicles wrapped, etc.
• Additional Responsibilities include:
  • Planning Annual “All-Dealer” Meeting including managing venue, RSVPs, menu, agenda, and hosting on-site activities.
  • Presenting to Board of Directors at monthly in-person and virtual meetings
  • Attending agency calls and meetings and being a part of the GTB team.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Be knowledgeable and proficient with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Teams and able to learn additional internal applications.
• Experience with Public Relations, Publicity, Social Media, Cause Marketing, & Community Engagement campaigns from planning, implementation & measurement of performance. 
• Must be creative, analytical, highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Possess a keen eye for detail with tremendous organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Exceptional listening and communications skills.
• Deliver clear, concise, and accurate messages both verbally and written.
• Ability to work both remotely and in and around the Pittsburgh area, as needed.
• Must have a reliable vehicle and driver’s license to be able to attend regular work in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 2-5 years minimum of relevant public relations, social media, marketing, media, automotive, or agency experience.
• Social Media background a strong preference.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (GTB) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

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