Account Director, Healthcare & Corporate Communications

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energize the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. 

Our game-changing work is recognized by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.  

What’s Happening?

Join our vibrant Tokyo team where cultural insight meets bold ideas. Weber Shandwick is seeking a talented and proactive Senior Manager / Account Director (title commensurate with experience) to join our growing social impact practice, working with members with global background . You will work closely with both clients and internal teams to support strategic communication planning, lead media , and deliver exceptional results that drive brand impact.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Leads/manages multiple integrated work streams and partners with mid-level clients to deliver on time/on budget work plans with minimal
• supervision: Drives development of tactical plans, translating strategies into tactics, ensuring high quality deliverables align with strategies.
• Builds expertise and understanding in sustainability and social impact.
• Facilitates cross-functional team integration; contributes to development of client programs and cross-community implementation activities
• Advance’s ability to develop long-term client plans and program recommendations
• Proactively supports and suggests improvements to exceed client expectations by leveraging industry knowledge/experience
• Develops and builds relationships with media and diverse set of influencers
• Brainstorms and brings to life compelling ideas for clients, media and influencers
• Manages ongoing team resourcing/staffing to ensure successful delivery of work product
• Manages development of media materials, and conducts media outreach

Who Are You?

• 5–7 years of experience in public relations, sustainability communications, ESG, corporate reputation, or integrated communications — ideally within a PR or consulting agency.
• A strong interest in (or background working with) sustainability, social impact, ESG initiatives, purpose-driven campaigns, or organizations driving positive change.
• Native-level Japanese communication skills with strong written and verbal English proficiency, enabling effective collaboration with global and regional teams.
• Comfortable leading cross-market collaboration and translating global sustainability strategies into locally relevant, actionable communication programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, with a high level of attention to detail and accountability.
• A confident, thoughtful communicator who can guide clients, mentor junior staff, and contribute proactively as a collaborative team player.
• Familiarity with digital, social, and key opinion leaders’ engagement as it relates to sustainability storytelling and purpose-led campaigns in the Japanese market.
• Passionate about social issues, environmental trends, cultural insights, and creative storytelling that inspire awareness, behavior change, and positive impact.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• A collaborative, inclusive mindset and the positive energy needed to inspire teams, clients, and partners around purpose-driven work.
• Genuine curiosity about Japanese culture, social trends, and the evolving sustainability landscape, with a passion for meaningful, values-led storytelling.
• A strong sense of ownership, professionalism, and commitment to delivering high-quality work that drives real impact for clients and communities.
• A desire to continue growing as a communications leader within a supportive, mission-driven, and globally connected environment. 

About our Client Experience Community

Members of our Client Experience Community are business partners to our clients by helping them to address opportunities or issues with communications strategies. We are the instigators of great work, lead the strategic development of integrated, cross-platform solutions and serve as the client’s advocate, ensuring quality ideas and an outstanding client experience. Client experiences teams set the agenda and vision for our partners, lead the development of our best work and create fruitful client relationships. We explore marketplace opportunities and clients need to grow our relationships and increase our value as a trusted partner to our clients in their best and most challenging days.

 

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Overview

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

Weber Shandwick is the earned-first global communications agency. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including being named #1 in the Public Relations and Brand Strategies category on Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies list, one of Fast Company’s Best Workplace for Innovators in 2023, PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Year in 2023 and being the most awarded PR agency at the 2023 + 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

 

About the opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager/Account Director with a passion for global corporate PR & Communications. This role offers a unique opportunity to partner with some of Korea’s largest international brands, crafting impactful communication strategies and delivering high-caliber PR and Communication initiatives on a global stage.

The ideal candidate is an English speaker with a strong background in global PR. This person will lead the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that strengthen the client brand’s reputation globally, with a focus on storytelling from Korea to global markets. This role requires a deep understanding of international media dynamics, cross-market coordination, and a strong ability to translate complex business and technology narratives into compelling, earned-first communications. Previous experience leading a large, multi-market client—preferably in the technology sector—is strongly preferred.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Global Strategy Development:

• Design and implement global corporate communication strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of international clients, ensuring alignment with their business objectives and market conditions.
• Develop messaging frameworks that resonate across diverse global markets, considering cultural nuances, consumer behavior, and geopolitical factors.
• Collaborate with regional teams to ensure strategy consistency while allowing for regional adaptations to optimize impact in local markets.
• Identify and integrate new tools, platforms, and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of communication strategies on a global level.

Media Relations & Content Development:

• Oversee the creation of press materials, including press releases, executive speeches, scripts, and media pitches, ensuring high-quality and strategically impactful outputs.
• Cultivate strong relationships with media outlets and journalists across key markets, leveraging these connections to secure high-impact media coverage.
• Ensure content development meets the demands of digital-first audiences, including social-first stories, multimedia formats, and viral-ready campaigns.

Trend Monitoring & Strategic Insights:

• Stay ahead of relevant issues, emerging trends, and developments in client industries to provide proactive recommendations for communication strategies.
• Analyze competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats, sharing actionable insights with clients and internal teams.
• Use research, data, and audience insights to inform decision-making and ensure strategies align with consumer motivations and preferences.
• Identify potential risks and issues that may impact the client or project, providing counsel on mitigation strategies and messaging approaches.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Manage and mentor a team of 3-4 professionals, providing clear direction, ongoing feedback, and support to help them achieve their professional goals while maintaining strong team morale.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture by ensuring open communication and alignment across US-based and international teams, adapting workflows to accommodate time zone and cultural differences.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing within the team to leverage best practices and regional insights, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality client work.

Client Relationship Management:

• Serve as a main point of contact for global clients, fostering productive relationships through consistent communication and proactive support.
• Act as a trusted advisor, offering insightful, data-driven advice that anticipates client needs and addresses critical challenges.
• Seek opportunities to expand client scopes of work, providing clients with innovative, value-driven solutions.
• Navigate complex client needs and resolve any issues swiftly, ensuring exceptional service delivery and long-term satisfaction.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Approximately 8-10 years of proven experience in corporate communications, preferably at international agencies or in-house teams with a global scope.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both Korean and English.
• Demonstrated experience managing PR, communications, and marketing initiatives on a global scale, with an understanding of cross-cultural nuances.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of professionals while driving accountability and growth.
• Strong consultative skills with the ability to provide thoughtful counsel to global clients and teams.
• Skilled in building and maintaining effective client relationships at all levels.
• Industry experience within technology sectors is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience working in PR or marketing abroad, with exposure to diverse global markets.

 

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

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Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. 

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024. 

 

About The Opportunity:

Weber Shandwick is currently seeking an ambitious senior-level Corporate PR professional for our Tokyo office to oversee key accounts. In this role, you will cultivate strong relationships with clients both domestically and internationally, serving as the lead for account and team management, overseeing multiple projects and team members.

Responsibilities include proposing communication programs and specific activities aligned with client goals, ensuring effective project execution, providing career development and learning opportunities for junior team members, and allocating resources in line with client budgets. Along with building strong relationships with our current clients, your responsibilities will also include contributing to new business development.

This position holds significance not only in positively impacting society through various projects but also plays a crucial role in reputation building for Weber Shandwick. It offers an opportunity to enhance practical experience and insights at an advanced level.

 

What You Will Do:

• Manage relationships with key corporate Japan clients seeking support with “Go Global” communications
• Build trust and develop a deep understanding of clients’ business and target audience, collaborating with team members to provide solutions that meet client needs
• Focus on deepening and improving ongoing relationships with existing clients and actively participate in opportunities to build portfolio of new “Go-Global” Japanese clients
• Comprehend clients’ objectives and communications priorities, devising and executing PR and Communications strategies accordingly
• Foster and nurture strong relationships with the media, and arrange interviews and meetings with the media and key client spokespeople as appropriate;
• Cultivate positive relationships with junior members and nurture their organisational and professional development through hands-on support and mentorship;
• Actively participate in office activities, meetings, seminars, etc., to cultivate strong internal working relationships and enhance collaboration opportunities.

 

What You Will Need:

• Native-Level Japanese / Business-Level English (Ability to conduct business smoothly);
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Corporate Communications;
• Strong experience planning and executing corporate communications PR strategies and tactics;
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale projects, including international events, media programs, campaigns, and crisis scenarios
• Strong experience with media relations, particularly in the English-speaking world (online, business, general newspapers, magazines, TV programmes, SNS, influencers, etc.);
• Experience in planning and executing multi-channel communications strategies and tactics;
• Ability to efficiently navigate and utilise social media;
• Adept writing skills.

 

Competencies

• Client Service – client focus and ability to build trust and rapport across all levels
• Project Management – ability to delegate tasks and plan/execute projects to meet target deadlines
• Proactivity – exhibit relentless pursuit for new and innovative talent strategies
• Collaboration – build strong relationships at all levels across the organization
• Critical Thinking – ask probing questions; anticipate and address critical talent gaps and needs
• Conflict Resolution – possess sound judgment and savvy in navigating and resolving complex talent and organizational issues
• Business Acumen – align talent strategies to drive business goals

 

What We Look For:

• Highly motivated individuals with a passion for driving cultural change through Communications;
• Strong knowledge of Japanese corporate culture and business landscape
• Working in a multi-cultural environment and/or experience living abroad a plus
• Strong presentation and communication skills;
• Strong speaking and writing skills;
• A team-player attitude and ability to think outside the box;
• Empathy ownership, and a strong sense of responsibility;
• Creative and innovative individuals with a natural sense of curiosity;
• Proactive networkers who can make connections with people across the business and externally with clients.

 

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Recruiting Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.

 

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