Account Executive

The Account Executive serves as the client’s main point of contact on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that projects are delivered on-strategy, on-budget and on-time.

More than a liaison, the Account Executive is the advocate for both the client and the agency. You will be responsible for the initiation and execution of all marketing, creative, media, production, and research projects for the client. You are successful at managing complex timelines, meeting deadlines, anticipating upcoming issues, and proactively working with senior management to resolve them.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Mentors junior team members when appropriate.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the planning, development and execution of advertising activities for clients, including creative brief and critical path, in accordance with client’s objectives and budget.
• As the point person to the client, regularly initiate and manage all client correspondence, including scope of work and cost estimates.
• Proactively initiate and manage timelines for all creative projects and media assignments.
• Understands assigned clients' scopes of work; recognizes scope changes and elevates to superiors.
• Manages multiple smaller projects and supports more senior team members on larger projects.
• Anticipates and knows when to escalate a problem.
• Assists in the development and production of plans, presentations and proposals.
• Provides timely and ongoing budget management and reporting.
• Consults with creative, media and research teams to communicate client objectives and to develop strategic solutions.
• Collaborates with traffic management on the development of project estimates.
• Understands and manages projects through agency systems including but not limited to opening of jobs, providing details, completing tasks and tracking timelines.
• Understands all the steps necessary to complete each stage of a job.
• Keeps the client informed on the status of all projects including completion and distribution of weekly status reports, production timelines or other verbal or written updates.
• Responsible for client review and approval of project estimates.
• Coordinates the development of the evaluation and analysis of advertising activities.
• Reviews and proofreads all materials (ensure all key members of the account team have approved copy, proofs, etc.).
• Monitors all client projects and campaigns to ensure they remain on strategy and meet business KPIs, utilizing appropriate reporting tactics.
• Participates in brainstorming and ideation sessions.
• Works with the traffic management team to ensure timeline, deliverable details, and deliverable changes are communicated and trafficked out accordingly.
• Tracks all competitive advertising and industry activity and assists in the preparation of competitive reviews and updates.
• Builds rapport and credibility with clients based upon trust, account service delivery and expert counsel.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Self-starter that is resourceful & has a high level of personal accountability.
• Demonstrated account leadership, initiative, and willingness to assume greater responsibility.
• Confidently lead, motivate and influence project progress.
• Ability to proactively make decisions and anticipate issues and needs before they arise.
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Solution-oriented and ability to prioritize projects under pressure.
• Ability to learn and adapt to team dynamics.
• Positive attitude, enthusiasm and desire to pursue a career in advertising.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Knowledge of and familiarity with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).
• Well-versed in all full-service agency offerings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with all junior-level client contacts.
• Seeks opportunities to present to clients and gain confidence in external presentations.
• Able to lead integrated team collaboration.
• Help train and coach AAEs and ACs.

Milestones & Performance Indicators:

• Profitability: Maintains client labor hour reports for all assigned accounts.
• The Work: Successfully manages assigned projects with limited oversight, to ensure work is completed on time and on budget.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Advertising, Marketing or Business related preferred
• Marketing communications experience: 3-4 years
• Advertising agency experience: 2-3 years
• Bonus: Experience with Advantage

Next Role Progression:

• Senior Account Executive, Client Services

Working Conditions:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Typically working in an office with occasionally working outdoors on location at client sites.

Travel requirements - In town travel necessary, occasional overnight travel needed.