We are looking for a seasoned Group Account Director with a curious mind, creative spirit and courageous attitude to join our team in our Chicago office. The Group Account Director functions as the senior account leader managing internal teams and several agency clients.

The best candidate will be a proven teacher and exceptional leader of others. You must have the ability to define problems, anticipate, operate in the “grey” areas and help the team to see clearly. You must have a proven track record of building trust and influencing others toward a positive outcome. This individual must be an expert in written communication and be able to create and present agency work that is strategically bold, compelling and reflects pride in our craft. An understanding of basic business principles of legal, finance and HR will be important complementary skills.

You are responsible for developing close relationships with top client management and for proper servicing of the account(s) under his/her jurisdiction. The role bears final responsibility for the agency’s recommendations and performance and, together with the agency’s Group Creative Director, is responsible for its advertising product.

The Group Account Director is responsible for the growth, profitability, and relationships with each assigned client.

• Leadership – Be an Agency role model - guiding, advising, assisting, and stimulating our account management talent.
• Objective and Results-Oriented – Manage to achieve agency and client business objectives, providing measurable proof of the agency’s contribution.
• Invaluable Consultant – Be the undisputed expert on your client’s business leading the team to bold strategies and ideas.
• Initiative – Motivate and persuade internal and external teams by being a catalyst for creativity. Constantly bring thought leadership, business building ideas and pace to each client.
• Financial Responsibility – Overall responsibility for profitable management of each account which includes scoping, managing, and controlling financial measures to ensure a profitable and prosperous relationship.

Internal Agency Responsibilities

The Group Account Director has specific internal agency responsibilities that set an example for the entire account group.

• Team leadership – Facilitate and promote Agency initiatives inside and outside the office as a true business ambassador including helping to recruit exceptional talent in all functions and leveraging relationships to develop new business prospects.
• Strategic leadership – Own and champion the Account Plans, ensure they are accurate and up to date and use them as development opportunities for key account leaders.
• Utilization of Agency Resources – Effectively manage the agency’s resources and relationships with other departments in the agency.
• Administration – Adhere to and support agency/departmental policies and systems and support the Director of Client Services in leading the department.

Agency Corporate Responsibilities

The Group Account Director has a responsibility to the corporation as a whole.

• Agency Representative in the Community – Represent Yamamoto positively in the business and advertising communities.
• Agency Growth – Assist in pursuing new opportunities with assigned clients and new business initiatives.
• Agency Commitment – Demonstrate loyalty to the agency.
• Agency Culture – Demonstrate agency core values: curious, creative and courageous.
  • Curious: We never stop learning or exploring.
  • Creative: We light up the room with engaging imagination.
  • Courageous: We are fearless and are up for any challenge.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, business or a related field. MBA is a plus.

Skills and Experience:

• 10-15 years of agency (preferred) or related communication industry experience that provides an understanding of advertising, marketing, media, creative, production, research, direct marketing, agency, finance, etc.
• Healthcare experience – particularly medical devices, products and technology – is preferred.
• Proven experience in a group account director role within an advertising or marketing agency.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Prefer strong liberal arts background with a focus on advertising/marketing.

• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) retirement plans
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• A creative and dynamic work environment

Competitive salary based on experience.

Range: $140k-165k annually

Yamamoto is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.