Account Director (Contract, Remote)

About the role

Our client, a marketing and communications agency specializing in the Life Science and Pharma space, is seeking a Freelance Account Director for a remote engagement starting immediately through December 18. The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, with preference given to candidates in the Eastern Time Zone.

The Account Director serves as a strategic client partner and essential leader, combining agency experience, market strategy understanding, and client goals to execute successful marketing projects, programs, and campaigns. This individual thrives in fast-paced environments, challenges the status quo, and inspires teams within the Client Services department.

Responsibilities

• Client Relationships
  • Build and maintain strong business relationships by establishing trust and credibility at all levels of the client’s organization, including senior management.
  • Establish regular communication with clients to ensure satisfaction and facilitate long-term profitability and growth.
  • Guide client planning and forward-thinking using industry knowledge to support agency recommendations.
• Account Growth
  • Drive growth of client accounts by identifying challenges and pursuing upsell opportunities.
  • Collaborate with key leaders to present effective solutions that engage clients and generate excitement for additional projects.
  • Support new business efforts by participating in strategy sessions, attending pitches, and delivering presentations.
• Account Finance
  • Ensure accurate management of account financials, including reporting.
  • Lead and report on monthly and quarterly forecast updates for assigned client account(s).
• Project Oversight
  • Demonstrate personal ownership and responsibility for the client account, handling all elements from briefing to scope execution.
  • Lead assigned agency team to deliver work that is on strategy, on time, and on budget.
  • Direct, coach, and motivate the client services team to effectively deliver for clients.
• Leadership & Strategic Guidance
  • Act as the client’s champion internally and bring their perspective to agency work.
  • Serve as an expert on the client account, target audiences, and competitive landscape to contribute to business solutions.
  • Provide strategic and tactical guidance, including brand planning, deliverables, and budget contributions.
  • Demonstrate influence and diplomacy in written and verbal presentations.
• Internal Relationships
  • Build strong relationships with all functional team leads to ensure client objectives are consistently met.
  • Exhibit effective collaboration across agency capabilities to drive complex projects from strategic and business perspectives.
• Knowledge & Expertise
  • Apply in-depth understanding of omnichannel marketing concepts, including best practices across digital channels, data management, analytics, and related technologies.
  • Lead meetings and contribute strategically to positioning, planning, and tactics.
  • Understand client performance metrics and align personal goals by analyzing progress and implementing tailored strategies.
• People Management
  • Effectively manage, guide, and coach direct reports by providing valuable feedback and development opportunities.
  • Mentor junior team members and connect them with mentorship opportunities across the agency.
  • Model strong leadership and team management skills.

Requirements

• 10+ years of pharmaceutical agency experience.
• Experience working on a DAOR pharmaceutical brand.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated client-facing presence and C-Suite interaction.
• Flexible and agile, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Strong analytical and strategic-thinking abilities to manage details while juggling multiple projects.
• Proficiency in creating professional documents and presentations.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and maintain professionalism with humor and tact.

Schedule

This is a freelance, remote role expected to require approximately 40 hours per week through December 18. Candidates in the Eastern Time Zone are preferred.