INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

APEX Public Relations•Toronto, ON

4d•CA$100,000 - CA$130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

APEX Public Relations, a Canadian-owned and operated agency, is seeking an Account Director. The agency's structure, which includes a sister digital division, ruckus Digital, allows for creative flexibility and collaboration across core disciplines. This role offers an opportunity to advance one's career in an entrepreneurial, flat agency structure with minimal bureaucracy and direct access to senior leadership. The Account Director will report to the Executive Vice President and will be responsible for leading and providing strategic oversight and project management for multiple accounts, with a focus on client growth and retention. The ideal candidate will be commercially minded, possess strong financial acumen, be creative, and skilled at relationship building. This leadership position requires team mentorship and positive motivation. Previous agency experience is essential, and the candidate should be an ambitious, highly motivated self-starter comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced, and rapidly growing environment.

Requirements

Minimum 8-10 years of agency experience with a demonstrated track record of success in managing key client relationships and driving business growth.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and results-driven performance.
Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive plans that drive client success.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with high EQ, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Deep understanding of the public relations and communications landscape, including media relations, creator and influencer program management, digital strategies, and industry trends.
Exceptional attention to detail, while having the ability to summarize complex and detailed information.
Ensure all client-facing materials and communications are free from errors and meet agency standards.
Be present and oversee media events, press trips, and other client-related activities, including after-hours as needed.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required by client and business needs.

Responsibilities

Support the EVP as the day-to-day strategic lead for client initiatives, providing high-level counsel and developing long-term plans aligned with client business goals.
Plan, develop, and oversee the execution of integrated communications strategies across PR, social, and digital platforms, ensuring campaign cohesion.
Foster and maintain strong, trusting client relationships, acting as an extension of their in-house team and proactively addressing issues.
Lead the development and oversee the execution of project plans, strategies, and new business pitches, ensuring alignment with client objectives and agency capabilities.
Guide the creation of impactful press materials and storytelling efforts, including media pitches, events, and digital content, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Develop and oversee client onboarding processes for seamless integration and alignment with client expectations.
Implement programs and strategies to build and maintain client relationships, such as regular check-ins, gifting, and client satisfaction surveys.
Continuously explore new and innovative ways to deliver client value, staying ahead of industry trends and best practices.
Provide effective leadership and mentorship to account teams, promoting a culture of high performance, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Oversee the performance and professional development of direct reports, providing regular feedback and conducting performance appraisals.
Plan and allocate resources across accounts with VPs and department heads, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
Identify opportunities to increase agency revenue through upselling services to existing clients and securing new business.
Actively participate in the development and presentation of new business proposals and pitches.
Collaborate with agency leadership to enhance the agency’s market positioning through industry events, networking, and award submissions.