Senior Director, Account Leadership

This role will report into our Washington, D.C. office.

We are looking for a Senior Director to lead a group of high-profile clients. Responsibilities include account planning and supervision, project and financial management, and the management of a small team. Working with the Senior Vice President, the Senior Director will set and achieve client goals, serve as the strategic liaison between the client and agency teams, oversee agency work on behalf of clients, support agency growth, and mentor junior teammates. The job requires professionalism, polish, and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with clients and colleagues. 

what you'll do

Relationship Management: Owns the business relationship with select clients, as well as the strategic vision to set and achieve client objectives.Is the senior contact and trusted expert for clients, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of their business, target markets and competition. 

• Provides strategic guidance to clients, both in setting the initial direction and on an ongoing basis.
• Anticipates and addresses client needs, and consistently works to optimize client initiatives.
• Creates value for clients by surfacing emerging marketing trends, opportunities and agency capabilities, and by initiating new projects and more efficient processes.
• Understands when to elevate client concerns and opportunities to senior management and partners in determining the solution.
• Actively cultivates relationships across and throughout Avōq to marshall the thinking and services that address our client’s challenges.

Account Management: Leads communications campaigns independently from start to finish, including the development and implementation of advertising, strategic communications, content development and digital strategies.

• Serves as strategic integration leader across internal teams, which includes Creative, Strategic Communications, Video, Content, Technology, Digital and Government Relations, teams.
• Leads, writes and is responsible for the delivery of marketing and communications plans.
• Works with others on the Account Leadership and other agency teams to effectively achieve client and agency goals. Is a connector and convenor of team members.
• Assigns and takes on projects as appropriate.
• Works with Agency leadership to define the vision for the client. Provides updates as needed and identifies opportunities for meaningful engagement. 
• Writes or edits client materials including, strategic guidance memos, strategic briefs, thought leadership content, creative materials and results reports, as well as Master Service Agreements, Scopes of Work and change orders.

Team Leadership: Trains Account Leadership team members as applicable.

• Motivates team members by setting clear expectations, promptly reviewing work and providing instructive feedback.
• Identifies training and development opportunities for team members, and encourages them to take the steps necessary to advance their careers.
• Supports development and planning for the Account Leadership team and agency.

Business Success: Closely monitors and manages the financial health of multiple accounts.

• Maintains internal financial and budget reporting, with consistent updates, in partnership with Project Manager.
• Ensures work quality and adherence to deadlines and budgets.
• Raises concerns and solutions about the financial status of accounts to senior leadership when appropriate.
• Creates mutually beneficial agency/client relationships.

Business Growth: Maximizes personal and agency network to enhance client service and expand agency business.

• Identifies opportunities to maintain and grow accounts.
• Leads proposal responses to new business opportunities when assigned.

Requirements

your experience

• 10+ years of communications, marketing or advocacy communications experience. Experience within an ad agency or PR firm preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising or Communications; Master’s degree a plus.
• Expert knowledge of traditional and digital advertising, marketing, strategic communications, data analytics and market research principles and practices.
• Decisiveness to move projects ahead with little oversight.
• Demonstrated understanding of business strategy and financial principles.
• Ability to execute multiple projects concurrently and efficiently.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding analytical capabilities to define measurable objectives, assess campaign metrics and reports