Account Director

Communications Management Department

Job Description

At Hirons, account directors provide strategic counsel and high-level communications expertise to agency clients while overseeing the implementation of strategic communications plans.

Account directors are responsible for the oversight of assigned clients, and they direct the work of their account teams to ensure client goals and measurable objectives are met. The account director is whom other agency staff look to for support, guidance and counsel. The growth and success of their clients and their team members are their paramount concern.

Account directors are responsible for the profitability of their accounts and are also expected to grow business, either through existing clients or new business leads. To this end, account directors must develop community connections with which to grow professionally and bring in new business.

While job functions vary by client, successful account directors will:

  • Oversee successful long-term work for agency clients on time and within budget
  • Create comprehensive strategic plans with goals, measurable objectives, strategies and tactics that are reflective of the client’s organizational goals
  • Craft annual scopes of work for clients; oversee all activities within the scope of work
  • Produce top-level work with few edits from SVP of strategic communications & account services
  • Have a keen understanding of the types of qualitative and quantitative research methods and how different types can contribute to a client’s success
  • Effectively evaluate the success of campaigns
  • Be seen by clients as strategic counselors who know the client’s business backward and forward
  • Internally manage up and down equally effectively
  • Supervise a team of successful professionals who excel in their agency roles
  • Generate business development leads and growth in existing client portfolio
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Required Experience/Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, journalism or a related field
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic communications or related field
  • Extensive knowledge of advertising/public relations/digital industries and client service
  • Expert in strategic communications theory
  • High-level experience in developing strategic communications strategies and tactics for top clients or organizations
  • Proven ability to maintain and manage large client and agency budgets
  • Expert in branding, advertising, public relations, marketing, online/digital media and traditional media
  • Demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies, including use of quantitative and qualitative, primary and secondary, and formal and informal techniques
  • Motivated, organized and detail-oriented approach
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to handle all work in an ethical and courteous manner
  • Superior presentation skills
  • Dynamic leadership abilities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
  • Proficiency with Workamajig project management software (within 60 days)
  • Proficiency with Meltwater database and monitoring software (within 60 days)