SVP, Senior Client Partner, Nonprofit Vertical Lead

Company Description

Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that specializes in the delivery of unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For more than 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies and leading nonprofit organizations have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios. The agency's heritage in data, technology, and analytics forms the foundation for its unmatched skills in understanding consumer insights that drive people-based marketing strategies. Its combined strengths in performance media, customer experience, customer relationship management, loyalty, and enterprise marketing technology drive improved marketing results and competitive advantage. With 4,400+ employees, Merkle is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with additional offices in the US, Europe, and Asia. In 2016, the agency joined the Dentsu Aegis Network.

Job Description

The Sr. Client Partner (SCP) is passionate about forming and driving account/portfolio revenue growth and can successfully interact with senior/executive-level clients. Through their role, SCP focuses on expanding our C-level relationships, developing and progressing the pipeline, identifying whitespace, and ensuring our clients receive quality delivery and execution through our multiple capability practices.

You will lead the growth and evolution of multiple nonprofit client relationships between $5-$20 million in annual net revenues and can lead complex multi-dimensional engagements that combine media and creative services, data management, consulting, and large technology deployments. You have previous experience in the nonprofit industry focused on fundraising initiatives, direct response marketing, and digital acceleration. You have experience working with the CDO (Chief Development Officer) and CRO (Chief Revenue Officer). You are a high-energy leader with the ability to grow client relationships through presenting new strategies and innovative ideas. 

You are experienced in leading teams of Client Service professionals as well as multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed environment. You also have a strong operational acumen in operating your client’s business to meet financial targets.

• Fundraising, direct response marketing, and digital acceleration experience with nonprofit organizations. 

• Owning relationship with CDO, CRO, and CMO. 

• Accelerated understanding of donor acquisition, alternative fundraising streams, nonprofit data COOPs, etc 

• Proven track record of creating happy customers. Own overall client satisfaction and the continuing growth and evolution of the clients. Accomplished by driving successful delivery of work product and cultivating strong client relationships. 

• Responsible for the growth and retention of nonprofit sub-vertical portfolio of accounts. 

• Leadership and direction of Account Directors and Engagement Leaders, focused on delivering value, ensuring quality. Also, responsible for mentoring employees to elevate opportunities for growth. 

• Executive engagement, client expectations, value reinforcement, cross-sell, required to be strategic about engagement strategies that lead to relationship building at C-level. 

• Effectively manage all commercial aspects of the client relationship including contracts, pricing, profitability, internal revenue and profit forecasting. 

• Accurately plan and forecast revenue growth to achieve their net revenue and margin targets. 

• Directs team activities to ensure full collaboration and partnership and leveraging the company’s full complement of resources to support the business. 

• Engage with senior level client contacts across all areas of the client’s business on a regular basis, delivering a continuous flow of business-building ideas, while securing relationship and performance feedback. 

• Develop and drive growth & account plans, processes, and strategies that improve results for clients, while growing the account portfolio. 

• Continually increase knowledge of the client’s business (and industry) often serving as the client’s first line consultant. 

• Provide leadership and direction to client and capability teams, fully leveraging all direct and indirect resources and ensuring optimal levels of productivity, service, communications, & quality in a matrix environment for assigned clients. 

• Effectively plan work, communicate changes, and troubleshoot problems, assuring that the client and company commitments are kept. 

• Work closely with the sales team to develop proposal/presentation content and strategy for new business pitches. 

• Effectively “on-board” new client relationships. 

• Proactively work to assure