Account Director, Design & Technology [211499]

About the role

We’re seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Account Director, Design & Technology to help grow and strengthen a thriving community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators. In this highly visible role, you'll develop meaningful partnerships, expand industry relationships, identify high-potential opportunities, and serve as a trusted advisor to organizations and individuals bringing groundbreaking ideas to market. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Communications, Product, Creator Success, and Leadership teams to develop outreach strategies, build engagement initiatives, and champion the needs of the creative community.

Responsibilities

• Relationship Management & Business Development:
  • Build and cultivate relationships with founders, entrepreneurs, designers, product innovators, and technology leaders.
  • Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective partners and strategic opportunities.
  • Own relationships with key accounts, ensuring an exceptional experience while driving long-term engagement and retention.
  • Track outreach activity and account progress within CRM systems.
• Community Engagement:
  • Serve as an ambassador within the Design & Technology community through networking, thought leadership, and industry involvement.
  • Develop educational resources, best practices, and programs that support community growth.
  • Identify opportunities to educate and inspire creators through workshops, webinars, presentations, and events.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • Establish partnerships with accelerators, incubators, educational institutions, industry organizations, and innovation hubs.
  • Expand referral networks through strategic collaborations.
  • Strengthen visibility within key creative and technology ecosystems.
• Industry Events:
  • Represent the organization at conferences, trade shows, networking events, and speaking engagements.
  • Develop meaningful relationships with industry leaders and prospective partners.
  • Leverage events to generate new business opportunities and strengthen brand awareness.
• Growth Strategy:
  • Help shape category strategy and identify new opportunities for growth.
  • Drive acquisition, retention, and engagement initiatives.
  • Research market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Product, Marketing, Communications, and Customer Success teams to improve the customer experience.
  • Advocate for customer needs by providing market feedback and insights.
  • Support product launches, pilot programs, and adoption initiatives among strategic customers.
• Marketing & Content Collaboration:
  • Partner with Marketing to develop compelling customer success stories and promotional initiatives.
  • Showcase innovative projects and highlight community achievements.
  • Support campaigns that attract new creators and strengthen engagement.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Design, Technology, Innovation, Product Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related industry.
• Strong network and credibility within the Design & Technology ecosystem.
• Proven success in business development, partnerships, account management, community engagement, or strategic growth.
• Experience developing and executing data-driven outreach strategies.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging audiences ranging from executive leaders to large public groups.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to identify high-potential opportunities.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships within emerging technology, industrial design, consumer products, hardware, manufacturing, or startup communities.
• Passion for innovation, creativity, and helping ideas become reality.

Nice to Have

• Experience as a founder, entrepreneur, product creator, or innovator.