Account Director

About the role

We are currently seeking an Account Director to support the Client Services team in meeting their objectives and delivering the highest quality client experience.

Responsibilities

• Acting as main point of contact for client on matters ranging from approach to strategy, issues, budget, and new opportunities
• Proactively planning long term for clients while leading day-to-day operations
• Nurturing current client(s) and build a strong, trustworthy relationship that upholds the standards of Client Services at SJR
• Leads and executes all strategic planning activities associated with client programs
• Actively contributing to ideation and brainstorming
• Developing strategic plans in order to execute client objectives
• Drawing out best thinking of clients by working with the team
• Effective problem solver — guides the team toward the achievement of client objectives
• Builds cooperation and collaboration between individuals, eliminates the need for rework and fosters continuous improvement
• Thinks through facts, diagnoses a situation, and finds an accurate and workable solution to help client’s business and team prosper
• Acts as point of escalation for client requests and issues with support from a Senior Account Director or Managing Director of Client Services
• Proactively provides client with strategic insight by:
• Keeping abreast of industry trends, audience needs and project outputs
• Working with analytics team to evaluate programs and campaigns, determining the extent to which the client’s objectives were met
• Adheres to finance requirements, including submitting invoices and drafting MSAs, establishing compliance with SOWs, maintaining revenue forecasts, budgeting, setting up vendor budget management and reconciliation, invoicing and collecting payment
• Establishes and grows strong relationships with internal and external agency partners
• Growth + Business Development
• Is an active part of the business development function
• Identifies and maximizes opportunities for organic growth within existing clients
• Works closely with team to optimize any revenue opportunities within clients
• Establishes and maintains relationships with internal and external partners to keep SJR front of mind for content- and creative-related briefs
• Participate in pitch development and presentations as required
• Creative + Editorial
• Leads end-to-to quality control and flawless execution of creative and editorial production through best practices
• Presents creative concepts to client with a view to converting concepts into sales
• Provides strategic feedback on creative concepts and content topics to team
• Pre-production, on location and post-production: ensures management of production is run efficiently and budget restraints and client expectations are being met
• Staff Mentorship
• Acts as a positive role model and mentors the team to maximize individuals’ growth by harnessing the strengths and opportunities of each team member
• Works closely with a Managing Director of Client Services to ensure all team members are delegated work appropriate for their level and experience
• Contributes to performance reviews

Requirements

Minimum five years’ account management experience; agency setting preferred

Strong understanding of content strategy and experience implementing it across a variety of platforms and channels

Proven track record of developing strong client relationships and ability to approach business with confidence and awareness

Demonstrated ability to mine insights that form the basis of creative strategies and content programs

Strong growth mindset with a capacity for delivering above and beyond the client’s initial ask

Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills to sell concepts and strategy to current and prospective clients

Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and nurture your team

Commitment to continuous improvement with a demonstrated drive to respond to feedback through an iterative review process

Exceptionally personable and positive

Proven ability to approach business with confidence and awareness

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field

Experience in a journalistic or publishing environment, bringing a strong understanding of storytelling and content creation

A passion for staying up-to-date on the latest trends in content marketing, digital strategy, and technology

Skills

• Strategic thinking
• Client relationship management
• Content strategy and implementation
• Problem solving
• Financial management
• Team leadership
• Business development
• Content creation
• Analytics and data interpretation
• Communication and presentation skills

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Hybrid work schedule

Equal opportunity employer

Employee assistance program

Health and wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements