Highwire is hiring: Senior Account Executive, Cybersecurity in Chicago

Overview

Senior Account Executive, Cybersecurity at Highwire. Base pay range: $63,000.00/yr - $80,000.00/yr. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive technology companies. We partner with high-growth brands to reinvent themselves and drive transformation through storytelling that reflects diverse voices and perspectives. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe, celebrated and valued. Our four core values are Team Empowerment, Growth Mindset, Inclusion Always, and Fierce Distinction.

We’re seeking individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values accountability, high standards, and motivation, this is the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Do

• Media & Influencer Relations
• Lead media strategy and execution for cybersecurity clients, with strong relationships across 10+ business, trade, and cybersecurity reporters
• Craft and deliver proactive pitches to generate high-quality media coverage and thought leadership
• Identify new media trends, outlets, and journalists in the security space and share insights across the agency
• Drive and support influencer engagement, content campaigns, and amplification across digital and social platforms
• Use social channels to boost client visibility and executive voice; support broader narrative efforts
• Measure and communicate ROI of PR programs, using analytics to optimize initiatives
• Coach junior staff on cybersecurity-specific media strategies and relationship building

• Client Service & Program Management
• Own tactical execution of cybersecurity-focused PR elements (media relations, analyst engagement, thought leadership, speaking, content)
• Lead weekly client calls, provide strategic counsel, and serve as a trusted contact
• Manage projects from kickoff through execution, keeping deliverables on track
• Develop quarterly cybersecurity campaign plans aligned to industry trends and breaking news
• Monitor threat landscape, competitors, and regulatory developments to identify timely commentary opportunities
• Support client media training, message development, and session follow-up
• Assist in budgets and resource allocation based on evolving client needs

• Writing & Content Development
• Write and edit cybersecurity-focused content: thought leadership, press releases, contributed pieces
• Develop speaking abstracts, award nominations, and analyst briefings; prepare media pitches, briefing books, backgrounders, and internal materials
• Ensure content is technically accurate, nuanced, and relevant; create timely, relatable narratives for media and business audiences

• Insights, Analytics & Integration
• Lead results reporting and campaign measurement; articulate outcomes and PR value to clients
• Use insights to refine cybersecurity campaign strategies and collaborate across teams for integrated service delivery
• Identify and adopt AI tools to improve precision, speed, and efficiency

• Mentorship & Collaboration
• Mentor and support junior staff; promote cybersecurity knowledge, media skills, and client confidence
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture with respect and clear communication
• Lead by example with proactive, solution-oriented collaboration

• Agency Engagement & Operations
• Contribute to new business efforts, participate in pitches, and write for Highwire’s blog
• Engage in security conferences and networking events; share cybersecurity insights and wins
• Suggest ideas to improve agency culture, workflows, and growth

• Professional Growth & Self-Development
• Set quarterly goals with your manager to support career development; prioritize tasks to meet client goals
• Demonstrate independence in driving projects with minimal oversight; seek and act on feedback
• Stay up to date on cybersecurity news, industry changes, and media trends

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of PR/communications experience in an agency setting (required)
• Direct experience with cybersecurity clients or within the security industry
• Strong media relationships across tech, business, and security trades
• Ability to translate complex cybersecurity topics into compelling media narratives
• Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills
• Experience managing client communications, priorities, and deliverables
• Confidence using analytics tools and reporting on performance metrics
• A collaborative, curious, and client-first mindset

Success at Highwire Looks Like

• Client Confidence: trusted point of contact delivering consistently excellent work
• Media Strategy: proactively drives media wins and adapts to security news cycles
• Tactical Execution: leads cybersecurity programs from planning to delivery with minimal oversight
• Strategic Thinking: anticipates client risks and opportunities and responds with smart solutions
• Revenue Growth: demonstrates measurable ROI and expands client success
• Industry Expertise: deepens cybersecurity knowledge to inform content and strategy
• Quality of Work: produces on-brand, technically accurate materials
• Mentorship: supports junior teammates through knowledge sharing
• Collaboration: works cross-functionally with team-first mindset
• Growth Mindset: adapts, improves, and finds smarter ways to work

Why Highwire?

Highwire is redefining tech PR with a dedicated cybersecurity team that partners with security innovators to transform how the world thinks about trust, risk, and resilience. You will be supported, challenged, and empowered to do your best work while helping build a safer digital future.

Highwire Perks

• Competitive salary
• Merit-based bonuses and promotions
• Hybrid work model
• Extensive vacation policy including extended breaks
• Empower Hours on Fridays; team may log off by 3pm
• 401K Match
• Medical and dental benefits
• Paid parental leave
• Home office equipment stipend
• Commuter benefit
• Growth Mindset stipend
• Technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit
• Donation Match
• Mentorship
• Monthly recognition programs
• Employee and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and dog-friendly environment

Salary is based on a range of factors that include experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications, and geography.

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Marketing Services