Account Director

Job Description

About the Company

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We believe every child deserves access to a high-quality public education and that families deserve trustworthy choices. Larson Communications is a strategic communications firm partnering with education reform organizations, public school systems, charter school networks and aligned nonprofits to strengthen options for families and improve outcomes for students nationwide.

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About the Role

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Client Value is our North Star. It’s why we’re here.

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The Account Director (AD) is a senior, client-facing strategist and leader responsible for owning performance across a portfolio of proactive communications clients. This role ensures consistent, high-impact results, strong client experience and disciplined systems that protect full and fair financial value. The Account Director serves as the primary strategic advisor to clients, translating long-term goals into sequenced initiatives, narrative arcs and measurable outcomes that advance enrollment growth, reputation, policy impact and sustained visibility.

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As an Account Director, you build and lead high-performing teams, steward decision-maker relationships and create the conditions for milestone wins that compound over time. You carry clear ownership and accountability for results, renewals and expansion, contribute meaningfully to new business development and help strengthen LC as a strong and sustainable organization serving the broader education reform movement.

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Responsibilities

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• Own delivery of repeatable, high-impact outcomes across assigned client portfolio, ensuring execution consistently advances agreed-upon strategy and client priorities.
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• Translate client strategy into clear priorities, sequenced initiatives and aligned communications calendars that build sustained visibility, credibility and momentum over time.
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• Drive compelling milestone wins including high-impact media placements, narrative breakthroughs, campaign successes and measurable progress toward client goals.
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• Serve as the senior contact for clients, particularly key decision-makers, providing proactive strategic counsel and fostering strong, trust-based relationships.
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• Lead strategic planning launches, recalibrations and key client moments, reducing uncertainty and reinforcing LC’s leadership and value.
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• Identify renewal, expansion and risk signals early and act proactively to reinforce alignment, protect retention and advance growth opportunities.
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• Elevate high-value client relationship moments, exercising judgment on when senior leadership involvement will strengthen trust, navigate complexity or deepen long-term partnership.
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• Demonstrate strong judgment on when to escalate versus operate independently, consistently making proactive decisions that protect client value, team effectiveness and organizational alignment.
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• Engage actively in new business development by identifying prospects, shaping strategy for proposals and participating in pitch development and presentations.
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• Mentor, coach and directly manage Leads and other client-facing teammates, setting clear expectations, reinforcing accountability and building judgment and leadership capacity.
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• Oversee staffing, scope and resource allocation across accounts to ensure utilization, productivity and delivery of full and fair financial value.
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• Refine and elevate LC offerings and proactive media strategies, ensuring work reflects best practices and remains cutting edge within the education and policy landscape.
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• Represent Larson Communications as a senior ambassador in external settings including conferences, media interactions and professional networks.
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Qualifications

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• 9+ years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications or public policy with deep expertise in media relations and proactive storytelling.
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• Senior-level credibility serving as a primary client lead and strategic advisor, with demonstrated success guiding executive leaders and navigating complex communications environments.
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• Proven ability to deliver measurable results including high-impact media placements, reputation growth, policy influence or campaign success.
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• Clear ownership of outcomes, including client value, retention and expansion, with sound judgment in balancing results, experience and systems.
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• Strong experience building narrative arcs and integrated communications plans that advance long-term client goals rather than episodic wins.
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• Demonstrated excellence in mentoring, managing and developing high-performing teams, reinforcing accountability and raising standards of execution.
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• Ability to manage scope, delegation and resource allocation to protect full and fair financial value while maintaining exceptional client experience.
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• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, executive presence and strong professional judgment.
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• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public policy or a related field.
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Preferred Skills

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• Experience working with education reform organizations, charter school networks, public school systems or aligned nonprofits.
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• Experience contributing to new business development including proposal development and pitch presentations.
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• Experience operating in an agency environment managing multiple clients simultaneously.
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• Working knowledge of digital communications strategies including social media, search and paid amplification.
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• Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics tools such as Asana, Muckrack, Microsoft Teams, Strety, and other performance reporting platforms.
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Pay Range and Compensation Package

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• Salary range: $96,000-$108,000, based on experience, qualifications, organizational equity and budget.
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• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, mental health and life insurance.
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• 401(k) with matching contribution.
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• Professional development opportunities.
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• Flexible vacation and sick time.
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• Paid company holidays.
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Equal Opportunity Statement

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Larson Communications welcomes applicants of all backgrounds with unique perspectives who align with our mission, values and standards and who are ready to take ownership and deliver results that matter.

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How to Apply

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We kindly ask that candidates refrain from direct messaging team members regarding this role. To be considered, please send your resume to View email address on ziprecruiter.com with the subject line “Account Director for Larson Communications.” Include a cover letter and incorporate the word “pineapple.” No phone calls.