Client Relations Manager Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Join NKPR

NKPR is a Toronto-based communications agency specializing in public relations, marketing, digital strategy and talent representation. Founded by Natasha Koifman in 2002, we partner with leading brands across real estate, hospitality, lifestyle, design, technology, fashion and financial services to create communications programs that build awareness, strengthen reputation and drive meaningful business results.

We're a collaborative, high-energy agency where great work comes from strong relationships - with our clients, the media and each other. Our Queen West Toronto office is designed to bring people together, from collaborative workspaces and cozy meeting areas to a rooftop patio that becomes a favourite gathering spot in the summer.

The pace is fast, the work is varied and no two weeks look exactly the same. Our team works across media relations, major events, brand launches, strategic campaigns, and integrated communications programs, while making time to celebrate the wins along the way.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Public Relations Account Executive who can confidently manage the day-to-day execution of client communications programs while delivering consistently high-quality work.

This is an ideal role for someone with a strong foundation in agency PR who is comfortable managing multiple client priorities, developing and executing media relations strategies, producing polished communications materials and keeping projects, timelines and budgets on track. You should be equally comfortable communicating with a client, pitching media, writing a press release, coordinating an event and jumping into execution when the team needs you.

You'll work closely with Account Managers, Account Directors and senior leadership while taking ownership of day-to-day deliverables across a portfolio of clients. You'll also contribute ideas and insights to client strategies and provide guidance and support to interns and other junior team members.

What You'll Do

• Act as a day-to-day client contact across assigned accounts, building strong relationships and ensuring clear, responsive and professional communication.
• Support the development and execution of strategic PR, social media and integrated communications programs that align with client objectives.
• Lead day-to-day media relations efforts, including identifying compelling story angles, developing targeted media lists, pitching journalists, producers and editors, managing follow-up and coordinating media opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, creators, influencers and other relevant media contacts.
• Write and edit high-quality communications materials, including media pitches, press releases, media advisories, briefing documents, newsletters, blog content and social copy.
• Manage social media content calendars and support the development and execution of digital and social content where required.
• Project manage assigned accounts and initiatives by coordinating timelines, workbacks, budgets, deliverables and team responsibilities.
• Manage account budgets, coordinate and negotiate with vendors, and liaise with internal accounting to support accurate billing and financial management.
• Support the planning and execution of events, brand activations, media opportunities, product launches and other client initiatives.
• Monitor the media landscape, industry trends and cultural conversations to identify timely opportunities and insights for clients.
• Participate actively in client meetings and calls, providing updates, recommendations and next steps.
• Keep Account Managers, Account Directors and senior leaders informed of account progress, client needs, competing priorities, potential issues and opportunities.
• Track and report on campaign performance, including media coverage, social engagement and other relevant program results.
• Provide direction, mentorship and constructive feedback to interns and junior team members to support their development and ensure work is completed accurately and on time.
• Contribute creative ideas and strategic thinking to client programs, brainstorms, new business opportunities and agency initiatives.
• Remain hands-on, proactive and willing to jump into tactical execution whenever needed.
  

What We're Looking For

• Minimum three years of public relations experience, with agency experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting and executing successful PR and communications campaigns.
• Strong media relations skills and a thorough understanding of the Canadian media landscape.
• Demonstrated experience identifying compelling story angles, pitching media and securing meaningful coverage.
• Experience managing day-to-day client relationships and communicating confidently and professionally with clients.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, compelling and client-ready communications materials across multiple channels.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts, projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong project-management skills, including experience managing timelines, budgets, deliverables and external vendors.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to producing consistently high-quality work.
• Strong judgment and the ability to identify issues, opportunities and competing priorities and escalate appropriately.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to anticipate what needs to happen next.
• Experience providing guidance, feedback or mentorship to interns or junior team members.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced agency environment with shifting priorities and quick turnarounds.
• A collaborative, accountable approach to working with clients and colleagues.
• Post-secondary education in public relations, communications, journalism or a related discipline.
  

What Success Looks Like

You are someone your clients and account teams can depend on. You understand your accounts, stay ahead of deadlines and take ownership of your work from assignment through execution. Your projects are organized, budgets and timelines are well managed, and the work you produce is consistently accurate, polished and client-ready.

You are a strong media relations practitioner who understands what makes a compelling story, develops thoughtful and targeted pitches and builds meaningful relationships with journalists, creators and other relevant contacts. You stay current on the media landscape and proactively identify ideas and opportunities that can strengthen client programs.

You communicate confidently and professionally with clients, keep senior team members appropriately informed and recognize potential challenges before they become problems. When priorities shift, you adapt quickly, bring forward solutions and ensure the work continues moving.

You also contribute to the strength of the broader account team. Junior team members can rely on you for clear direction and thoughtful feedback, and senior team members can trust you to follow through on commitments and maintain NKPR's standard of excellence.

Most importantly, you take ownership, demonstrate strong judgment and contribute to an agency culture where people collaborate, hold themselves accountable and support one another in producing exceptional work.

Life at NKPR

This is a full-time position based in our Queen West Toronto office.

To support onboarding, training and integration with the team, new team members work five days per week in office for their first 90 days. Following the successful completion of the first 90 days, team members transition to NKPR's hybrid working model of four days per week in office, with Fridays working from home.

As an agency, our work sometimes extends beyond traditional office hours. Team members should be available to occasionally support evening or weekend events, activations and other client initiatives when required.

NKPR Offers

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Health and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, personal and sick days
• Summer hours
• Professional development and mentorship
• Opportunities for continued growth and advancement within NKPR
• The opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of leading brands and industries
• Hands-on experience across media relations, events, brand activations, social media and integrated communications programs
• Opportunities to strengthen your strategic, client-management and leadership skills
• A collaborative, open-concept workspace in Queen West
• Team events, celebrations and agency socials
  

Our Commitment to Inclusion

NKPR is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. We believe stronger ideas and better work come from different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating an environment where team members feel respected, supported and able to grow.