Account Director, Design and Lifestyle

Karla Otto is a globally recognized public relations and communications agency, founded in 1982, with offices in 15 key cities across the UK, EMEA, US, and Asia. With a strong presence in fashion capitals such as Milan, London, Paris, and New York, the agency has built a reputation for representing some of the most prestigious names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

In 2017, Karla Otto merged with K2 to form THE INDEPENDENTS, a global marketing, design, and communications group. This collective brings together industry leaders who share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and thoughtful collaboration across the luxury and lifestyle sectors.

At Karla Otto, our team of expert strategists, designers, planners and publicists are dedicated to delivering exceptional results and establishing long-term partnerships with our clients. We are passionate about the world of fashion, beauty, and luxury, with everyone bringing their unique expertise and insights to the table. We are driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving industry landscape.

To help support our future growth as an agency, we are looking for an Account Director, Design & Lifestyle to join our team based in our New York office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic design-focused PR programs that elevate brand visibility and drive commercial impact through product launches, studio announcements, showroom openings, and experiential moments tied to the design calendar.
• Cultivate and maintain deep relationships with design, architecture, and interiors editors, journalists, digital platforms, and taste makers to secure top-tier coverage, awards, and long-lead placements.
• Serve as a trusted brand ambassador within the design community, representing clients across press previews, trade fairs, industry events, and key cultural moments.
• Build strong, consultative client partnerships by delivering thoughtful PR strategy, trend intelligence, and creative storytelling aligned with each brand's design ethos and business goals.
• Lead and mentor Account Managers, Coordinators, and Assistants, fostering a collaborative, detail-driven, and creatively ambitious team culture.
• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact design moments, including press previews, showroom installations, influencer walk-throughs, and strategic industry collaborations.
• Stay at the forefront of design trends, market shifts, and cultural conversations, translating insights into compelling narratives and proactive media opportunities.
• Support agency growth by identifying new opportunities, contributing to new business pitches, and leveraging design-media relationships to elevate emerging and established brands.
• Evaluate campaign performance using qualitative storytelling impact and quantitative media metrics, ensuring programs meet client objectives and deliver meaningful ROI.
• Champion a high-performing, inclusive team environment that prioritizes mentorship, continuous learning, creative excellence, and innovation.

Key Attributes

• Extensive and proven experience in a senior PR role within Lifestyle, Design, Culture and Arts
• Strong managerial and organizational skills
• In-depth understanding of and active interest in hospitality, lifestyle, luxury and wellness trends
• A responsive and understanding approach to client management
• Creative and strategic thinker
• Able to identify communication opportunities through a proactive approach
• Proven experience of working in a fast-paced environment and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize
• Discrete, professional and articulate, with excellent communication skills
• Experience managing direct reports/teams including their professional development
• Extremely well-organized, methodical and efficient, with a good dose of common sense and initiative
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• A visionary and opportunistic approach to new business development

What We Offer

• Salary: $100,000-$120,000
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401K Employer Match program
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Time Off including Vacation Days, Personal Days, Sick Days, and additional Comp Days
• Company-wide closure last week of the year
• 10 Federal Holidays Observed

At Karla Otto, we are always looking for personalities with positive charisma who are enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a keen sense of aesthetics.

Karla Otto embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Karla Otto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage qualified applicants…