Account Director

At VML, we create connected brands. We resist the usual ways of seeing, doing and thinking — harnessing creativity, technology and culture — to reimagine the entire connected consumer experience. Our goal? To create work that becomes part of people’s lives, to drive value for our clients and, in the best of cases, to impact the world.

 

The Account Director serves as an agency leader for achieving the client’s strategic brand objectives by collaborating with the client and focusing on all facets of strategic growth. He or she must establish and drive all facets of internal working teams to deliver on clients’ goals, objectives and overall strategic direction.

 

The Account Director also mines new, organic business opportunities with existing clients, by building relationships across the client’s organization, and with key industry partners. This person must be team-oriented and possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

 

Account Directors works closely with their direct reports to foster a culture of growth and development with the team. They regularly demonstrate initiative in all areas of improving the management and growth of all partnerships, demonstrating a sense of ownership and the ability to manage independently.

 

The Account Director must take ownership, drive marketing excellence, innovation, and client intelligence. He/she is responsible for of all areas of client delivery and overall relationship health. Financial responsibilities include review and sign-off of monthly billing and forecasting, client management or escalation of billing as needed. Candidates must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Responsible for development of long-term account success and growth.
• Partners with Strategy and planning to transform knowledge of client business objectives, internal and competitive opportunities, and customer insights into actionable marketing communications strategies and tactics.
• Partners with Creative to ensure creative platform ideas and subsequent platform development are on-strategy and not only meeting best practices, but breaking through category norms.
• Leads and manages team on a given book of business. 
• Builds and maintain senior level client relationships.
• Provides team with direction and input to ensure business and project goals are met (80%).
• Mining new business opportunities (20%).

• Responsible for development of direct reports.
• Exhibits enthusiasm for clients’ business and industry. Maintains leading edge of knowledge of clients’ business and industry.
• Recognizes and seizes opportunities to contribute to agency new business.
• Regularly informs Manager on status of business, including escalation as needed.

 

As part of the WPP Group, VML offers one of the best overall compensation packages in the business.

 

REQUIRED SKILLS

 

• Has strong account management skills
• Has excellent communication skills.
• Has excellent presentation skills and presentation development skills.
• Has excellent organizational skills.
• Is a proactive problem solver.
• Not only has a positive attitude and is a team player, but models that for the junior team.
• Is able to concurrently lead and grow multiple clients.
• Is very comfortable working in an integrated agency environment, which means feeling accountability for responsibilities outside of creative and production and extends into comms planning, media, delivery, etc. 
• Has deep knowledge and experience with multichannel marketing.
• A familiarity with online advertising and social media advertising is necessary.
• Has production experience, both traditional video and more nimble content development.
• Is able to support Strategy in crafting creative briefs and provide clear, persuasive briefings to Creative teams and remain an active contributor throughout the creative development process.
• Financial responsibilities include review and close management of production budget and estimates on a job by job basis ensuring close oversight during active production and no overages.
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field; graduate degree is a plus.
• Six to 10-plus years of experience, which may include large-agency interactive or senior clientside marketing experience.
• Has experience managing and growing employees and teams.