VP, Account Director

AbelsonTaylor Group•Chicago, IL

1d•$205,000 - $235,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At AbelsonTaylor Group, work that makes you feel good isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We believe that when you feel good about your work, and where you work, you bring your best self to it. That’s why we create an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and inclusivity is more than just a value—it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll help propel brands that inspire health and brighter futures, all while finding the support, inspiration, and growth opportunities to reach your own potential. Together, we dream boldly, collaborate deeply, and make a meaningful difference—one idea at a time. Now, we are on an unstoppable mission for a Vice President, Account Director to join our team. The Vice President, Account Director holds a critical leadership role on the client service team. They are responsible for the overall management of multiple brands and clients, driving the strategic vision for these brands through inspiring team leadership, exemplary client service, and strategic acumen. The VP brings deep experience in brand management across audiences and categories. They can confidently lead a dynamic and diverse team of individuals, building collaboration across departments to ensure the highest level of client service and agency output. They serve as business drivers, performance elevator, and mentor. Ready to make a difference and be a part of something extraordinary? Join us on this journey toward a healthier, happier world! Apply now!

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, with 15+ years of prior experience in an advertising agency, particularly in account management, or experience in a senior marketing role within the pharmaceutical industry.
Effective Communicator: Able to set expectations and make sound decisions for the team.
Resilient Leader: Confidently direct a team through challenges, obstacles, and setbacks.
Experience in Healthcare Product Launches: Skilled in building strong brands in the life sciences space.
New Business Pitch Leader: Able to drive strategy, creative development, and bring insights that differentiate the agency story from RFP through pitch presentation.
Seasoned Strategist: Provide marketing expertise across all phases of the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.
Relationship Builder: Able to connect and partner with anyone and everyone who comes into your orbit.
Driver of Accountability: Bring an elevated level of accountability for your performance and that of your teams.
Versatile Team Player: Able to perform all functions and responsibilities of the Account Service team below you and step in wherever needed.
Willing to Travel: Periodic travel is required (6-12x/year).

Responsibilities

Act as the Agency Lead and Client Partner on Your Brands: Provide continuous strategic guidance and critical thinking to drive and grow the business.
Elevate the Work: Enable the team to deliver programs that offer unique and creative approaches to solve problems.
Drive Growth for the Agency: Identify strategic opportunities and present sound and persuasive business cases to clients.
Understand Competitive and Market Landscape: Bring perspective to the business/brand impact of market dynamics.
Delegate Expertly: Allow staff to stretch and develop skills while mentoring, guiding, and providing critical direction.
Interface and Lead Other Departments: Build trust, respect, and camaraderie with clients and colleagues.
Elevate Creative Output: Provide strategic insight to creative briefs and outputs, leading an active dialogue about the work.
Set Expectations for Meetings and Presentations: Ensure the agency team is well-represented and objectives are met.
Mentor Team Members: Participate in their growth by providing formal and informal performance feedback.
Create a Motivating Culture: Recognize achievements and contributions, fostering excellence.
Ensure Brand-Appropriate Spend: Secure during scope development and manage scoped work throughout the year.
Keep SVP Informed: Share brand updates and business growth strategies.
Proactively Identify Issues: Provide team guidance on understanding and addressing emerging challenges.
Lead and Motivate the Account Management Team: Demonstrate a commitment to employee development, including career pathing for direct reports.
Create a Motivating Culture: Foster positive team dynamics and recognize achievements.
Delegate Expertly: Allow staff to stretch and develop skills while mentoring, guiding, and providing critical direction.
Hire, Coach, and Develop Team Members: Assign projects to balance workloads and challenge team members' skills, ensuring projects showcase the agency's capabilities.
Provide Regular Feedback: Offer both formal and informal feedback to help team members grow their creative sensibilities and progress in their craft.
Perform Team Evaluations: Participate in performance reviews and provide coaching to create growth plans for team members.
Infuse Psychological Safety into Teams: Facilitate participation, inclusion, and diversity of perspectives throughout the agency.