Account Director

Position: Account Director

Department: Client Success

Reporting To: VP, Client Success

Description:  

The Account Director will act as the senior account lead on assigned client accounts and is responsible for the overall account performance and business relationship with the client. This role plays a critical part in carrying out our growth strategy by developing and growing relationships with existing clients. This role is expected to own the execution of client strategy and lead expansion, growth and overall health of client accounts.  This position reports to the Vice President, Client Success. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manage and maintain existing business:

   - Establish relationship and provide excellent account service to clients at a senior level 

   - Participate and lead regular client meetings and/or conference calls 

   - Maintain working knowledge of market research and client business climate as required to support client on all levels

   - Coordinate with internal resources to provide excellent service 

• Grow existing business:

   - Identify and pursue new opportunities on existing accounts based on relationships cultivated and insights gained

• Supervise employees who manage day to day tasks with existing clients

• Manage, track and approve budgets and fiscal reporting for client accounts: 

   - Manage and track program budgets to ensure programs are performing against work hours/milestones 

   - Alert management/client of anticipated budget overages, scope changes etc., and ensure approval of change orders, as necessary

• Manage creative process to ensure alignment with client strategy:

   - Review creative briefs and provide input to creative team 

   - Present creative to client as needed 

• Manage strategic partnerships i.e. media agencies, PR companies, partner agencies, research companies, etc., to ensure client objectives are met

• Work closely with Strategy/Analytics department to understand methodology and strategy, provide input and present research results to clients

• Participate in new business opportunities/pitches

   - Collaborate on RFP responses

   - Research competitive markets, general media opportunities

Required Skills & Experience: 

• Minimum 7-10 years as an Account Director in an agency setting

• A 4-year college degree is required, in the fields of Marketing, Business, or Communication 

• Experience working with Pharmaceuticals clients – a MUST

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with different personality types

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with little supervision 

• Highly autonomous, self-directed, proactive and comfortable working within a dynamic environment

• Previous experience in an agency setting providing strategic and marketing services to large clients 

• Ability to handle tight deadlines and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously

• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate metrics into meaningful recommendations

• A technical/technological affinity or experience with technologies used by Pharma brands – an advantage

• Experience developing Consumer Relationship Marketing (CRM) programs – an advantage