The Key Account Manager will be the day-to-day agency representative to their assigned client(s), looking after all client needs through frequent direct communication with client representatives at all levels. They will participate in the strategic development and implementation of annual budgets and strategic plans, and then ensure all resulting client deliverables are executed on time and on budget. 

The Key Account Manager must be knowledgeable in both the client’s business and the agency business, and be comfortable and skilled at providing strategic and creative direction based on their knowledge of both areas. When appropriate, this role may delegate less complex client tasks to more junior agency staff and have a role in overseeing the work of the more junior staff member(s) to ensure its proper execution.  

This position requires strong verbal and written communication skills; a capability for analytical thinking; a sense of entrepreneurship; a customer service mindset; strong personal organization; and developed interpersonal skills. 

Reports to the Vice President.

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Responsibilities:

• Maintains direct, day-to-day, senior level client contact and ensures proper agency service to clients

• Devises communications strategy and analyzes client input, taking into consideration background knowledge, research, field feedback, etc. to produce full communications plans

• Leads project kickoff meetings, including presentation of key deliverables, initial spec sheets, timelines and budgets

• Provides agency staff with well-documented input, support data and production materials as required; ensures that strategies are clearly defined, approved by clients, and understood by the creative and digital teams

• Prepares client budgets and estimates; monitors budgets and schedules on a daily basis

• Catches project scope creep and ensures projects stay within agreed upon budgets

• Informs all parties of any changes to scope/assumptions/issues that arise

• Manages and updates project work-back schedules

• Successfully facilitates projects from estimation through launch and maintenance

• Reviews and approves client invoices, and ensures that overall account revenues meet agency goals

• Coordinates project timing and budgets with all relevant agency personnel

• Writes and reviews client status reports and important developments

• Prepares month-end overviews of client’s current activities, and monthly revenue forecasts, plus plans for future development of accounts

• Identifies new business opportunities with assigned clients and plays a supportive role in the development of such

• Represents the agency at client events

• Continuously works to upgrade knowledge and skills through available reading, courses and seminars

• Keeps apprised of all relevant client, industry and market developments

• Reviews and authorizes quotations prior to client approval

• Oversees and coaches junior level staff, helping them to learn and grow

• All other duties assigned

Position Requirements:

• 2+ years of Agency experience required

• Ability to travel 5-10% of the time for client meetings and/or events

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications or equivalent experience

• A strong background in account management and/or project management, including past experience managing client accounts with direct client interaction

• A thorough understanding of the overall advertising and communications environment

• Experience identifying superior business-building opportunities

• Experience editing resource schedules in a project management system a plus