Account Director - Agency

Our client is a Toronto-based agency that helps brands navigate the unified worlds of advertising and content - creating stuff people want to see, not stuff they have to see. Their approach is built on aligning what a brand thinks, what it does, and what it says, across strategy, experience, and creation. Many agencies proudly exclaim, “It’s about the work”. They think it’s actually about the people AND the work. But always, people first. As an Account Director, you are responsible for acting as the lead and key client contact for a range of accounts in categories including Tech, Not-For-Profit, B2B, Government and more. You will steer the businesses and educate clients on trends, best practices, competitive activity and marketing and digital strategy overall. You will roll up your sleeves on projects and work closely with your colleagues in Account, Strategy and Creative to ensure comprehensive plans, flawless execution and insight-based reporting. You are the epitome of an ‘A Type’ – exceptionally organized, great relationship builder, have a belief in the foundations of account service (follow up, service, personality) and are looking for an opportunity to independently lead a suite of accounts in a growing, busy, entrepreneurial agency. You consider yourself a master of communication, you’re a natural leader and take time & care to build relationships with your team members and clients. Most importantly, you don’t take yourself too seriously, you check your ego at the door and you love to work hard and have fun. Key Responsibilities Account Leadership & Client Partnership Strategic Client Advisory: Serve as the primary senior contact and trusted advisor for high-profile clients, including elite corporate affairs teams, post-secondary institutions, and non-profits, providing innovative long-term marketing guidance. Reputation & Advocacy Stewardship: Lead complex brand reputation and advocacy campaigns, masterfully navigating public narratives around legislative bills, social media regulations, and major societal issues. Targeted Engagement: Guide the development of highly nuanced, strategic work tailored specifically to policymakers, academic audiences, and Key Opinion Formers (KOF). Strategy, Campaign & Production Oversight Cross-Functional Strategy: Collaborate with internal strategy teams to bring foundational brand identities, creative concepts, and "Think, Do, Say" methodologies to life. End-to-End Campaign Execution: Build, pitch, and secure approval for comprehensive digital, video, and social media campaigns; retain hands-on oversight of production shoots across OOH, print, and digital advertising. Business Development: Research, develop, and collaboratively pitch innovative digital services and campaigns to secure growth from both existing and prospective clients. Team Management & Operational Excellence Workflow & Capacity Management: Navigate peak seasonal high-volume periods with exceptional organization, utilizing the authority to onboard freelance PM support to keep internal teams aligned and focused on high-level client direction. Talent Coaching: Mentor and coach internal account teams to build capabilities, optimize workflow processes, and support sustained client growth. Financial & Quality Controls: Partner with integrated teams to build accurate estimates, manage client budgets, and enforce strict financial oversight to deliver all work on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. Qualifications: Minimum 8-years experience in a client service role in an agency with a strong background in digital, video, mobile and social media. Small/mid-size agency experience is a bonus. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the digital space as well as all aspects of social media, video production and media planning. Experienced presenter, comfortable demonstrating new ideas, and explaining new processes to others, internally and externally. Exceptional gravity, confidence, and critical thinking skills. You must be comfortable managing complex, academic-level briefs and interacting with brilliant, opinionated stakeholders. Comfortable taking the lead and mentoring junior staff. Involvement in multiple integrated & digital campaigns. Track record of building strong long-term client relationships. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills. Superior organizational and time management skills with a strong attention to detail. Demonstrated strategic thinker with ability to help grow a business. Post-secondary education in business marketing or advertising an asset