The Works, a full-service corporate communications studio, is looking for an account director. You’re looking to work hard and smart in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and undeniably fun environment. You must have chutzpah, confidence, and super quick reflexes. And also be great at managing complex projects, advising senior-level clients, and guiding a talented creative team. No problem, right?

General Responsibilities

• Maintain perspective over accounts and strategic directions of clients
• Act as primary contact for clients; maintain communication and ensure we serve them in the best, most appropriate way
• Facilitate discussion and decision-making at the top level of companies
• Act as a liaison/consultant to executives and boards of directors
• Research and get to know our clients’ industries inside and out, to be able to consult on strategies and objectives

Project Leadership

• Prepare and lead design/project briefs
• Help everyone stay on brief, on time and on budget
• Manage internal teams: encourage cooperation, share information, facilitate decisions and inspire our best work
• Work with Art Directors to guarantee that our designs match the client’s needs and expectations
• Consult with clients on messaging and creative direction
• Prepare quotes, estimates, proposals, schedules and invoices
• Ensure we stick to our time estimates (adjusting where truly necessary); oversee studio scheduling; approve overtime
• Lead client and internal meetings, presentations, etc.
• Take responsibility for client approvals and sign-offs
• Adjust projects’ scope and specifications as required, negotiate with clients to achieve understanding

Business Development

• Participate in the preparation of new business proposals and presentations
• Familiarize existing contacts with the range of our capabilities
• Secure repeat business and enrich existing relationships
• Expand business with existing clients to other departments; secure new business when client contacts move
• Strategically expand our contact base
• Attend regular sales meetings

Skills and experience

• Minimum eight years’ experience managing multiple, simultaneous communications projects in a busy studio environment
• History of success in contributing to business growth
• Team leadership and supervisory skills
• Significant experience as a lead client contact, especially in interaction with senior management executives (including C-suite)
• Firm understanding of design principles and extensive familiarity with production techniques, both print and online
• Building and managing complex, accurate budgets and good instincts in estimating costs
• Excellent (clear, persuasive) professional verbal and writing (briefs, letters, presentations, proposals, etc.) skills

What qualities do you need to do the job well?

• Collaborative by nature
• Effective in talking people off ledges, i.e. a negotiator, problem-solver and calm under pressure
• Comfortable with numbers
• Confidence in discussing budgets with clients
• Has the agility to listen, respond and react to different personalities in a room
• Intelligent, level-headed
• Likeable and sociable
• Honest and candid
• Self-assured and thick-skinned; doesn’t take things personally
• Ability to give feedback in a cooperative, useful manner – has a good “bedside manner”
• Ability to spot problems and find solutions quickly
• A natural and confident leader