Account Manager / Media Strategist (Independent Contractor)

Role Type: Independent Contractor (Full-Time Engagement)

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Overview

Bonfire Partners is seeking an Account Manager to be accountable for account results and deliverables while serving as the primary day-to-day client contact. This role requires excellent writing skills, proactive strategic thinking, and the ability to work as a generalist across diverse technology and business clients. Contractors are expected to exercise discretion over how work is performed and may use their own tools, processes, and workflows to deliver agreed-upon outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Be accountable for account results, deliverables, and success metrics across the assigned client portfolio
• Develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies aligned with client goals
• Pitch journalists proactively and secure media coverage across top-tier outlets
• Write bylines, briefing documents, press materials, and other client communications
• Schedule and prepare clients for media interviews
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists in relevant beats
• Proactively identify newsjacking and media opportunities before they trend
• Stay current on media landscape through newsletters, industry news, and media monitoring
• Manage client expectations and serve as trusted strategic advisor
• Collaborate with assistants on execution tasks while maintaining responsibility for strategic direction

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in PR, communications, or journalism
• Excellent writing skills with ability to craft compelling narratives
• Proven ability to secure media coverage and build journalist relationships
• Strong understanding of media landscape and what makes stories newsworthy
• Ability to manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously
• Proactive, self-directed work style with strong organizational skills
• Experience with media databases (Muck Rack or similar)
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in one or more specialty areas: law enforcement/public safety, cybersecurity, consumer technology, B2B SaaS/AI, CPG
• Background in journalism or content marketing
• Familiarity with AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) for workflow optimization
• Experience with social media strategy and content creation

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent top-tier media placements across client portfolio
• High client satisfaction and retention rates
• Proactive identification of media opportunities before they become reactive asks
• Strong journalist relationships that yield exclusive opportunities
• Efficient collaboration with support team to maximize strategic focus

Location & Classification Notice

This role is structured as a full-time independent contractor (1099) engagement. Due to state-specific worker classification, tax, and compliance requirements, we are currently only able to engage contractors who reside in the following U.S. states: TX, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, AZ, UT, NV, OH, IN.

We periodically reassess eligible locations as regulatory requirements evolve.