Director, Client Strategy
Strategic Focus
The Director of Client Strategy raises the strategic ceiling on Wheelhouse's most important client work, connecting insight across channels, practices, and history into clear, executive-ready strategy and storytelling. In practice, this person operates as a number two to the Director of Account Management: taking high-level strategic workstreams off her plate, owning client health and strategic direction for a defined set of complex accounts, and freeing her to lead the function and develop the team.
Core Responsibilities
Own client health and strategic direction for a defined set of complex and flagship accounts, in partnership with the Director of Account Management
Show up as a named, visible senior strategic leader on assigned accounts, introduced to clients and present at key strategic touchpoints
Serve as a senior point of escalation when an account is at risk, stepping in to pressure-test the plan and help the team reset direction
Operate above the day-to-day execution layer, with no responsibility for trafficking, builds, or task management
Lead Strategy Group, Wheelhouse's internal strategic braintrust that collectively reviews account strategies on a weekly basis
Coach and give direct, candid feedback to Account Managers, raising the team's strategic capability over time, without formal line authority
Act as a trusted thought partner and pressure-release valve for the Director of Account Management and the broader AM team
Experience & Qualifications
8+ years in a digital, performance, or integrated agency environment, with demonstrated ownership of strategy for large, complex accounts
Proven ability to synthesize cross-channel data, performance insights, and client history into executive-level narratives and recommendations
Comfortable presenting to and pushing back on C-suite and VP-level client contacts with confidence and care
Strong strategic instincts: identifies risks and opportunities early, reframes problems, and resets direction when conditions change
Comfortable giving direct, candid feedback and coaching to people who do not report to them
Exceptional written and verbal communication; translates complexity into clarity without oversimplifying
Experience operating in high-pressure, politically complex client environments
A bias toward action: the judgment to know the difference between a moment to push forward, a moment to stop and rethink, and a moment to escalate immediately
Healthcare, health tech, medtech, or other regulated industry experience preferred
Familiarity with performance media measurement, attribution frameworks, or data-driven strategy preferred
Experience partnering closely with account management or client success to elevate the strategic quality of AM-led relationships preferred
Logistics
This is a senior, client-facing role with no direct reports; authority comes from credibility and influence rather than the org chart
Initial focus is on Wheelhouse's largest and most strategically complex account, expanding to additional accounts over time
Full strategic ownership of assigned accounts is expected within 60 to 90 days
Full compensation packages are based on the skills and experience of the candidate