We are looking for an Account Director in our Chicago office who will function as the senior representative of the agency on a given piece of business.  They are responsible for developing close relationships with top client management and for proper servicing of the account(s) under his/her jurisdiction. They bear final responsibility for the agency’s recommendations and performance and, together with the agency’s Creative Director and CCO and the Director of Insights and Innovation, is responsible for the marketing strategy and advertising product delivered by the agency.

The Account Director works with the head of the Account team coordinating personnel, planning and administrative functions with them. Leads the planning and execution of account planning and client initiatives, while building successful, growing relationships with clients.

The Account Director is responsible for the management of assigned accounts and for assisting in each account’s growth, profitability and successful relationships with the client and internal teams.

• Leadership – Be perceived as a valued leader of the account by client and agency alike. They should be viewed as the person acting in the client’s best interest and is responsible for helping to develop a sense of “team-ness” among people who work on the account.
• Financial Responsibility – Overall responsibility for profitable management of the account, which includes budgeting, control of expenses and accurate income forecasting.
• Relationship – Responsibility for management of a positive relationship with day-to-day client contacts and agency teams.

Specific Account Responsibility

The Account Director is responsible for strategic development and planning on the account.

• Objective and Results-Oriented – Manage to achieve goals and to achieve the client’s business objectives, providing measurable proof of the agency’s contribution.
• Initiative – Be responsible for leading the client with business, operational, and advertising ideas and for having a long-term vision about the client’s business.
• Invaluable Consultant – Know the client’s business so well that he views your input as essential to any business decision they have to make.

Help Clients Win:

The Account Director must embrace the agency’s corporate position and actively support its existence.

• Demonstrated “help clients succeed” attitude.
• Reinforce this attitude with all staff.
• Train and mentor direct reports in supporting the corporate position.

Internal Agency Responsibilities

The Account Director has specific internal agency responsibilities.

• Training – Partake in structured and unstructured training opportunities
• Utilization of Agency Resources – Manage use of internal resources in a cost-efficient manner through clear, actionable direction and understanding/consolidating client direction.
• Administration – Adhere to and support agency and departmental policies and systems.

Agency Corporate Responsibilities

The 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:

• 8+ years of experience in account management or client services within an advertising agency or related industry.
• Healthcare experience – particularly medical devices, products and technology – is preferred.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.

• 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: $115k-$140k 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.