Account Director

Kick•Minneapolis, MN

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Account Director is a client partner and project leader responsible for the strategic direction, creative excellence, and operational success of client accounts. The role combines senior client relationship management, hands-on project management, and strategic brand leadership, serving as the key liaison between clients and agency teams to deliver multi-channel marketing and design solutions. The position currently reports to the CEO. The Account Director leads client strategy and creative development, develops creative briefs, champions the quality and relevance of agency work, and presents to clients alongside creative teams. The role also recommends and develops integrated marketing communications strategies and leads primary and secondary research when applicable. In partnership with Project Management and agency teams, the Account Director oversees projects from scoping through delivery, including budgets, timelines, resource allocation, risk management, quality, and financial tracking. The position identifies account-growth and new-business opportunities, supports agency improvement initiatives, and mentors account managers, project coordinators, and junior team members. The role is based primarily at Kick’s Northeast Minneapolis office, with the possibility of working remotely two days per week depending on scheduling. Occasional travel for client meetings may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, design, business, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
8–10+ years of account management or marketing experience in a creative, design, or advertising agency, or comparable experience.
Proven experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects from inception through delivery.
Demonstrated experience with digital, paid media, and social channels, and multi-channel marketing strategies.
Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills with team members, freelancers, and clients.
Exceptional organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Proven ability to lead teams, mentor talent, and build strong client relationships.
Strategic thinking, strong business and financial acumen, and experience managing project budgets and profitability.
Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools.
Ability to multitask and quickly absorb, analyze, and act on large amounts of information in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for creativity, design, problem-solving, and delivering outstanding client experiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience in healthcare, med/tech, CPG, and/or pet and animal health industries.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for assigned clients and build trusted relationships with clients and internal teams.
Understand clients’ business objectives, brands, and industries, and monitor competitive and industry news for insights.
Lead strategic, creative, and design solutions that address client needs and business challenges.
Set project strategy and create insightful creative briefs.
Champion agency creative output, ensuring deliverables align with client goals and push creative boundaries.
Apply knowledge of brand strategy, brand architecture, naming, and communication strategy.
Lead client presentations alongside the creative team.
Recommend and develop integrated, multi-channel marketing communications strategies, including customer journey mapping, lead generation, and digital strategies.
Lead applicable primary and secondary research, including qualitative and quantitative research, segmentation, and creative concept testing.
Work with Project Management to oversee project scoping, budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management from start to finish.
Ensure deliverables meet quality standards, deadlines, and budget requirements.
Collaborate with creative, design, and production teams to turn client briefs into actionable plans and work.
Manage project financials, including estimates, proposals, invoicing, and revenue tracking; forecast account trajectory for agency budget planning.
Introduce and manage retainer-style client arrangements where possible.
Identify account-growth and new-business opportunities, participate in pitches, and upsell agency services.
Grow revenue on assigned accounts year over year through expectation management, client communication, new ideas, and solutions.
Mentor account managers, project coordinators, and junior team members and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.
Assist agency leadership with improvement and promotion initiatives.
Maintain clear communication with clients and internal teams, anticipate and resolve issues, and lead client meetings.
Communicate account performance, client feedback, and growth opportunities to senior leadership.
Uphold and demonstrate Kick’s brand values as a role model and influential agency leader.
Perform or manage other responsibilities as assigned.