Account Direction VP

Freeman•Philadelphia, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Account Direction VP is a senior account leader responsible for the health, performance, growth, and strategic direction of assigned client accounts. As a trusted client partner and the primary voice of the client within the organization, this individual translates client business objectives into strategic programs, experiences, and solutions that drive measurable results. The role is accountable for executive-level client relationships, strategic counsel, client satisfaction, account strategy, financial performance, and organic growth, while supporting the agency’s organizational objectives. This is an individual-contributor leadership role that works collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams. The position supports the Account Direction team and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or at show sites 2–3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Grand Prairie, Texas; or Royal Oak, Michigan. Travel is 25% to 50%, with travel and support for client programs and events as required.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive experience in account management, client services, experiential marketing, events, marketing, communications, or a related field.
Significant experience leading complex enterprise client relationships, account growth initiatives, financial performance, and cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated experience managing complex client accounts and senior client relationships.
Strong experience with account financial management, including revenue, profitability, margin, forecasting, budgets, and scope.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing account growth strategies.
Experience leading and developing account teams and collaborating across multiple disciplines.
Strong executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and make effective decisions in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
Ability to travel and support client programs and events as required.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior client lead and trusted advisor for assigned accounts, building and maintaining executive-level client relationships.
Provide strategic guidance aligned with client business objectives and lead client issue resolution to ensure a consistently high-quality client experience.
Develop and drive account strategies aligned with client and business goals; deliver strategic recommendations, business reviews, and executive presentations.
Identify opportunities, risks, and changing client needs to support long-term account success.
Own account revenue, profitability, forecasting, and overall financial performance.
Oversee budgets, scopes, statements of work, estimates, and change orders; partner with internal teams to manage financial risk and drive business results.
Own account growth and revenue objectives; identify and pursue opportunities to expand services, programs, and client relationships.
Lead proposals, presentations, and strategic responses to new opportunities.
Provide leadership, direction, and accountability across account teams; coach and develop team members and foster collaboration and high performance.
Partner with leadership on staffing, talent development, and succession planning.
Maintain oversight of key programs, events, and account initiatives, ensuring delivery aligns with client objectives, financial expectations, and account strategy.
Provide guidance on risks, scope changes, and complex business challenges.
Represent account performance, opportunities, and risks in leadership discussions.
Partner across functions to deliver integrated client solutions and contribute to organizational best practices, talent development, and continuous improvement.