Account Manager

Account Manager

At GSD&M, we're on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We're able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We're humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that's what it takes to build and be First & Only.

POSITION FUNCTION

As an Account Manager, you are the backbone of the account team. You are closest to every project on the status report and you understand how those projects relate back to the bigger goals of the brand. You are the champion of "flawless execution" and foster the creative process from briefing to presentation and production through release. The ideal Account Manager is someone who is eternally optimistic, an exceptional communicator, an organizational expert and an advocate for cross-departmental integration.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

Nailing the everyday tasks is one way to ensure that your account will run smoothly. Managing job change forms, owning status reports, overseeing estimates/billing, crafting and distributing conference reports and meeting agendas, helping with meeting prep—having all of these expected elements in place and moving seamlessly allow you and your team to focus on what truly makes a difference.

OWN THE PROCESS.

To a senior account leader, there is nothing more comforting than someone who always delivers. Lead the creative process from briefing to presentation and production through release. Problem solve, find solutions and remove roadblocks to great work. Be in lock step with your Project Manager. It is your responsibility to be sure that your PM always understands what's hot, what's coming up and what we should be preparing for in the future. Work with that partner closely to be sure we are getting the most advantageous resources and timing. Make it your personal mission to make every client meeting successful. Take the time to think through who is attending, what is important to them and what we should focus on to make them feel special. Become adept at the art of managing up (to your supervisor), down (to any junior team members or interns) and sideways (to your peers/client team).

CHAMPION INTELLIGENT AND INSPIRING STRATEGY.

Understand strategy and ensure that it translates into day-to-day account activity. Know a client's business and how the creative work answers to that strategy. This includes paying the price to know the real problem—the deep issue in culture, the category or business that the client may not see.

FUEL CREATIVITY.

Creative is not a department. Engage in the work and partner with your creative teams to come to an end product that meets client needs and delivers cutting-edge, smart and creative work. Inspire ideas and build on others. Everything you do is in service of the work.

BE A TRUSTED CLIENT PARTNER.

Nurture relationships. This goes for both the client side—everyone from the CMO's Admin to the Marketing Research Manager—and for relationships with partner agencies for client success. Our primary goal is to build our client's business. Know their business and how they make and lose money. Track results and lead optimization. Help our clients be heroes in their own organization. Most importantly, always do what you say you're going to do. Ensure the agency delivers.

REMAIN CURIOUS.

Hone your craft. Keep up with the competitive landscape and relevant cultural trends in search of insights and truths to inspire big ideas and new thinking within the team. Be a student of our business and your client's business.

MAXIMIZE TALENT.

Train, guide and empower the Assistant Account Managers and interns. Share your knowledge and provide learning opportunities for the next generation that will better the agency in the end. Don't forget to build your own skill set and seek out opportunities to do so.

BE UNFLAPPABLE.

Demonstrate a commanding presence, but listen. When it's your meeting, lead the conversation but incite participation. Organize the chaos and calm the waters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA required, preferred concentration in advertising, communications or marketing.
• 2+ years of agency experience (preferred) or related communication industry experience that provides an understanding of advertising, marketing, paid and social media, creative, production, research, direct marketing, finance, etc.
• Strategic thought leadership
• Strong presentation and writing skills
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills
• Management/team-building skills
• Effectively and confidently balance the dual expectations and business goals of clients and the agency.
• Anticipate and address potential client issues, advising agency management in time to act proactively.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented in a production intensive environment
• Proficient in MS Office Suite or Mac equivalent

At GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower. An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That's why we're proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation's Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you're just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.

GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io for support.

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.