Account Manager (CHICAGO)

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Account Manager is a client-facing role responsible for managing the day-to-day development and execution of direct marketing programs while supporting the overall success of assigned client accounts. Working closely with clients and cross-functional teams, this role translates marketing strategies into actionable programs, coordinates execution and ensures high-quality, on-time delivery. The Account Manager maintains strong client relationships, identifies opportunities for improvement and supports account growth through proactive engagement and performance-driven execution.

Bring the relationship mindset. We'll help with the rest.

The best relationships are not built from a checklist. Account Management is a relationship business—not a checklist business. We’re looking for someone who can build trust, communicate clearly, stay curious, and help clients and internal teams move work forward.

You may not check every preferred box in this posting, and that’s okay. If you have a strong foundation in client service or account management and are excited by the opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Relationship & Communication

• Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, facilitating communication and proactively addressing questions and concerns.
• Build strong client relationships and develop a comprehensive understanding of business objectives and marketing priorities.
• Maintain client satisfaction through responsiveness, execution quality and effective communication.
• Keep Account Directors informed of account developments, risks and growth opportunities.
• Anticipate client needs, provide clear recommendations, and proactively guide next steps.
• Communicate complex information clearly and tailor updates and recommendations to the needs of the audience

Program & Campaign Execution

• Manage campaign execution from scoping and briefing through creative development, production and post-campaign analysis.
• Develop and manage project timelines, schedules and deliverables across cross-functional teams.
• Lead internal and client status meetings, ensuring clear communication, accountability and timely issue resolution.
• Ensure work adheres to established processes, quality standards and client expectations.
• Anticipate execution risks, develop contingency plans, and resolve time-sensitive issues to maintain program momentum
• Maintain clear documentation of project decisions, dependencies, mandatories, action items and approvals throughout execution.
• Ensure deliverables adhere to applicable brand, legal, program, and client-specific requirements

Strategic Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support the development and execution of marketing strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Develop clear project and creative briefs that translate strategy into actionable direction.
• Identify opportunities to improve campaign performance, workflows and job profitability.
• Surface potential growth opportunities and additional client needs to Account Directors.
• Develop repeatable tools, documentation and workflows that improve team efficiency, consistency and accountability.

Operational & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate across Strategy, Creative, Data/Analytics, Production and other internal teams to ensure effective program execution.
• Manage project documentation, scopes and deliverables to maintain accuracy and accountability.
• Coordinate with external partners as needed to support client programs.
• Monitor project budgets, timelines and resource needs, escalating risks and scope changes appropriately.
• Navigate competing priorities across teams and facilitate timely decisions that keep work moving forward.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in advertising/marketing, communications, or related field required. 

Experience:  Minimum 4 years of Account Management, Client Services or Agency experience, preferably supporting direct marketing or integrated marketing programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong understanding of end-to-end direct mail and integrated direct marketing campaigns.
• Working knowledge of audience strategy, analytics, creative development, production and digital channels.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines and priorities.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and translate strategy into effective execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive approach to client service, continuous improvement and identifying growth opportunities.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to meet and exceed goals
• Analytical problem-solving approach with the ability to inform, educate, and influence to support objectives