Brand Strategy Account Manager

Fuse, LLC•Winooski, VT

11d•$60,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The individual in this position is responsible for managing the strategic consulting and operational aspects of specific account’s marketing initiatives. The Account Manager serves as “keeper of the brand / client relationship” across all Fuse Business Groups and in some cases, external agency partners, ensuring all Fuse work meets client expectations and is on strategy with the brand’s / client’s overall goals. The Account Manager proactively leads all Fuse work on a client’s business, being able to manage multiple tasks associated with multiple accounts at once, in a fast-paced environment. This role includes: strategic development, daily communication with the client to keep project moving and progressing, day-to-day account responsibilities (status, meetings, timeline management, etc.), timely and on-budget delivery of all services, working with account team on maintaining client’s strategy throughout all aspects of the business and utilizing expertise in marketing to consult and provide point-of-views on all projects. The Account Manager ensures the account or project deliverables are being met or exceeded. Successful candidates have an in-depth knowledge of brand marketing, expert knowledge in teen and young adult marketing and high-level project management experience. The individual will work in Fuse’s Winooski, Vermont office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field
3 - 6 years of marketing agency and / or brand experience; client management and communication experience
In-depth knowledge of brand marketing
Knowledge of youth culture - sports, campus, lifestyle, and more
Ability to deliver professional, error-free business documents and project reports
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, effective decisions when presented with unplanned challenges
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
An understanding of the agency process and the agency/client relationship
A strong attention to detail, self-starter mentality and sense of responsibility.
Willingness to travel frequently for business on weekends and holidays
Experience leading and being part of a cross-functional team
Expert level proficiency in all MS Office programs - experience with Macs is critical

Responsibilities

Develop integrated and cohesive strategy or concepts for Client based on Client brief; ensure engagement across Fuse Groups and partner agencies as needed.
Planning documents such as timelines and briefs are delivered to Client to guide the strategic planning process.
Strategic planning and concept development are based on key consumer insights, include program measurements, and are inclusive of all elements requested in the brief.
Presentation and/or ideas are delivered on time and with executional accuracy.
Foster a mutually respected business relationship with Client through day-to-day contact i.e. understand Client’s preferred way of working with Fuse and ensure their expectations are met or exceeded.
Ensure that projects produced by the account team will successfully meet or exceed Client’s needs within Client’s expected timeframe.
Client updates are delivered when appropriate and on-time.
Build presentations using Fuse presentation templates.
Utilize fresh/new thinking when delivering ideas such as with annual strategies, grassroots programs, premiums, retail concepts, event activation ideas, etc.
Delivery of information is practiced before presentation to Client and speaking points are rehearsed
Presentations are formatted accurately, ideas are organized, and the amount of information shared balance too much versus not enough.
Ideas presented demonstrate expertise/knowledge in the given subject and are delivered with enthusiasm.
Recommend on-strategy partnerships / properties that match up with brand’s goals / objectives and based on a set criteria.
Property contracts, management & activations are carefully planned for and are carried out in a timely manner.
A client’s expectations are met or exceeded on-site due to excellent & thorough pre-event planning and on-site coordination.
Details of events are planned and then executed according to plan; solutions to challenges are addressed quickly and communicated effectively.
Utilize key industry relationships, research, insights to demonstrate expertise & relevance to the opportunity at hand.
Identify on-strategy talent for Client and deliver key insights about talent to demonstrate that they’re a brand fit.
Negotiation plans should be planned out in advance of kick-off approved by the Client; kick-off negotiations with firm timeline and prior first right of refusal has expired.
Manage talent communication and ensure both talent and Client are informed of marketing programs regularly via talent branding tracking and planning meetings such as roundtables.
Talent and their respective management understand the talent / client relationship and work to make sure all sponsor benefits are carried out.
Talent sponsor benefits are managed, monitored and maximized throughout the year.
Understand Client’s retail/customer goals and systems to link marketing programs to sales.
Develop retail concepts that are relevant to Client’s consumer and resonate with the Client’s key customer (as needed).
Retail concepts are on-strategy and leverage existing marketing assets.
Develop program budgets for new projects, conduct ongoing project budget and spend/approval management, manage quarterly budget reconciliations and conduct client billing follow up communication.
Budget planning, budget management via NetSuite, spending/approval, reconciliation and client billing follow up is completed thoroughly, accurately and on time.
Projects are completed within approved budget range.
Updating of weekly Fuse internal status reports with Account Director and updating client status report.
Following up on Client requests in a timely and thorough manner.
Status reports are formatted correctly, are updated weekly or more frequently and free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Traveling to Client meetings and events.
Physical demands include modest lifting at events, in the office, at storage locations, etc.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

75% Employer-Paid Medical/Dental/Vision insurance for employees & dependents
Health Savings Account contribution
Health care opt-out stipend in lieu of employer coverage
Employer paid life/disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer contribution
Paid parental leave
Fitness, ski pass & cell phone stipends
On-site skate ramp & recreation/fitness room
Fuse gear closet including outdoor gear to borrow
Dog friendly office
Winter Wednesdays – work starts at noon!
Summer Fridays
12 Paid Holidays
15 vacation days to start, plus personal and sick days and your birthday off!
Paid volunteer hours
Week-long company closure during the last week of the year
Annual Company Ski/Ride Day
Company happy hours, seasonal outings, and lots of fun
Opportunity to engage in the local community via Fuse’s company pillar committees: Fuse Culture Committee, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and Environment & Sustainability Committee