Account Director (Cybersecurity) San Francisco, California, United States

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic communications, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy and sustainability, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race / ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities—can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values :

Team Empowerment

Growth Mindset

Inclusion Always

Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Position Overview

As an Account Director on Highwire’s Cybersecurity team, you’ll be a strategic leader driving high‑impact communications programs for industry‑leading and emerging cybersecurity brands. You will oversee 4–5 account teams, guide clients on positioning, storytelling, and visibility, and ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional results.

This is a senior opportunity for a creative, strategic thinker with 7+ years of agency experience and a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. You’ll mentor teams, build trusted client partnerships, and play a key role in agency growth and thought leadership.

What You’ll Do

Lead cybersecurity clients across threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management, incident response, infrastructure protection, and security operations.

Develop integrated communications strategies that build brand credibility, market leadership, and trust — essential in the cybersecurity industry.

Provide senior‑level counsel on messaging, positioning, risk‑oriented narratives, and media engagement strategies.

Translate complex cybersecurity concepts into compelling, business‑relevant stories that resonate with technical and non‑technical audiences.

Serve as a senior client lead, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed expectations.

Identify and pursue opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.

Partner with clients on executive visibility, thought leadership, vulnerability response communications, and research‑driven storytelling initiatives.

Manage budgets, forecast hours, and ensure efficient resource allocation across teams.

Media & Influencer Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with top‑tier business, cybersecurity, privacy, and technology media.

Drive thought leadership programs grounded in security research, emerging threats, and market trends.

Oversee data‑driven, vulnerability‑based, and trend‑based pitches to secure meaningful coverage.

Leverage digital and social channels to expand reach of threat research, product news, and executive commentary.

Stay ahead of threat landscapes, regulatory changes, and security trends to provide proactive strategic recommendations.

Agency Operations & Leadership

Manage 3–4 direct reports, providing mentorship, guidance, and feedback.

Support new business opportunities — from ideation to pitch presentation.

Contribute to agency marketing initiatives, such as award submissions, case studies, and cybersecurity research promotions.

Champion Highwire’s culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.

Represent Highwire at cybersecurity industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities (e.g., RSA, Black Hat, regional security summits).

What You Bring

7+ years of PR or communications experience in an agency environment.

Deep experience working with cybersecurity clients — threat intel, SaaS security, network defense, identity, cloud security, or SOC tools.

Proven success developing and executing integrated PR and communications programs.

Strong understanding of the cybersecurity media landscape, security analyst community, and industry influencers.

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

Strategic leadership and client management experience.

Established media relationships and a passion for cybersecurity innovation.

Experience managing and mentoring high‑performing teams.

Strong business acumen and ability to identify growth opportunities.

Creative, collaborative, and confident communicator who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth. #LI-Hybrid

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid :

Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with two in‑office days per week.

Remote :

We hire for fully remote roles in the following states : California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C.

Please note : We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Our people‑first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer :

Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth

Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle

Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks

Early log‑off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program

401(k) plan with employer matching

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options

Paid parental leave

Home office equipment stipend

Annual Growth Mindset Stipend for books, events, or learning experiences

Monthly technology reimbursement

Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health

Donation matching program

Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities

Monthly recognition and team celebrations

Employee referral and new business referral bonuses

Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings

Dog‑friendly office environment

A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process.

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