Senior Director, Branding & Communications

Hybrid role – 3 days/week NYC office and ability for light travel as needed

Overview

We are an award-winning branding and communications agency that represents the finest wine, spirits, beer, hospitality, food, wellness and destination brands. Our clients span the world – from wine industry and lifestyle leaders in France, Spain, New Zealand and California to craft spirits, food and destination accounts. We’re a passionate team that relies on experience, creativity and strategic thinking to build brands.

The Senior Director, Communications will lead high-profile client programs and internal teams, ensuring strategic excellence, operational efficiency, and strong people leadership across all communications initiatives. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who excels at mentoring others, building collaborative teams, and guiding multiple complex projects from strategy to execution. Seeking a communications/PR professional who loves to place media stories, work with our partners and build strategic content.

Are you a great writer and creative thinker who enjoys wine, spirits, travel and food? Can you turn ideas into innovative strategies that win clients over? Do you have the passion to turn brand stories into compelling pitches and media placements? Are you digitally savvy and an awesome communicator who wants to build great client relations? If you answered “yes,” we’d love to meet you! We are seeking a full-time communications pro to deliver strategic communications results for a high-profile client list, including a leading role with our craft tequila, whiskey and European wines portfolio. This position will integrate with agency teams and clients as a communications liaison to craft winning consumer, print, digital and media-facing content campaigns. Beverage industry experience and exposure to integrated marketing campaigns are required.

Position Summary

The Sr Director Branding & Communications oversees agency communications strategy, team performance, and key client relationships. They are responsible for driving integrated PR, media relations, and content initiatives while ensuring campaigns are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest standards. This position also plays a key leadership role in mentoring staff, optimizing agency workflows, and fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and professional growth. This role requires great client instincts and presentation skills to support agency reporting, road tours, and media/influencer experiences. The ideal candidate must be proficient in executing communications programs based on agency objectives – and reporting success to key stakeholders. Successful candidates will demonstrate a track record of building multimedia content that drives placement goals and client communications strategy through PR, sponsored content and owned media channels. Professional background and passion for writing, media pitching and the content creation process are essential. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and manage project timelines efficiently. Applicants based in the New York City area are preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & People Management

·       Lead and inspire a team of communications professionals, providing clear direction, mentorship, and professional development.

·       Cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence.

·       Serve as a key member of agency leadership, helping set strategic priorities and long-term growth plans.

·       Provide guidance to cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with client goals and agency standards.

·       Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and project evaluations to ensure success across all accounts.

Client & Project Management

·       Oversee all aspects of assigned client programs—from strategy and ideation through execution and reporting.

·       Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables; hold internal and external stakeholders accountable. Ensure that the responsible parties deliver their components accurately and on time.

·       Lead client communications, presenting strategies, progress, and performance metrics confidently.

·       Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality work that meets both client expectations and agency objectives.

·       Keep stakeholders appropriately informed of project successes and challenges. Report and escalate pending issues to management as needed.

·       Source and distribute business planning information associated with projects (costs, volumes, operational details, etc.).

·       Oversee crisis communications and brand reputation management, as needed.

Communications & Media Strategy

·       Develop and implement integrated communications plans, including PR, influencer marketing, social content, and thought leadership, both directly and through outside vendors.

·       Build and maintain relationships with key media, digital, and industry partners.

·       Drive compelling storytelling that results in impactful media coverage across consumer, trade, and lifestyle channels.

·       Oversee the development of written materials, including press releases, brand stories, media kits, and executive messaging.

·       Evaluate communications performance metrics (KPI tracking, ROI reporting, coverage summaries) and report outcomes to leadership and clients.

Process Optimization & Business Development

·       Identify opportunities for improving agency processes and project delivery methods.

·       Collaborate with leadership on new business development and client onboarding initiatives.

·       Ensure cross-departmental alignment and resource optimization.

·       Represent the agency at industry events, conferences, and client activations as a senior ambassador.

Essential Skills/Traits/Experience

Education & Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field experience.

·       5 + years of experience in communications, PR, or integrated marketing. Previous agency experience required.

·       Proven track record leading teams and managing complex, multi-channel campaigns.

·       Strong client relationship and stakeholder management experience.

·       Comfort building client relationships and leading client meetings directly and often independently.

·       Formal project management experience or equivalent preferred

·       Beverage, hospitality, or lifestyle industry knowledge strongly preferred.

Skills

·       Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and people management abilities.

·       Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills – friendly, professional, patient; cool under pressure

·       Outstanding written and verbal communication skills as well as content creation

·       Strong project management, organizational, and time management capabilities, and able to handle many projects simultaneously

·       Ability to drive client meetings and presentations with confidence

·       Creative, enthusiastic, self-starter who does their research

·       Multi-tasker who collaborates well with others and asks all the right questions

·       Strong organizational and time management skills

·       Experience with pitching, media relations, and KPI tracking

·       Knowledge of media/digital best practices and desire to keep learning

·       Problem solver with innovative thinking – CAN DO attitude and approach to projects and clients

·       Tolerance for ambiguity – flexibility to adapt to evolving environment, priorities, and clients’ needs

·       Adept at balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Meltwater, and Muck Rack

Work Environment

·       Full-time, hybrid (in-office downtown NYC 3 days/week)

·       Some travel required for client activations, media events, and team meetings. 20% estimated travel.

·       Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, and PTO.