APEX HIRING INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
APEX Public Relations (www.APEXPR.com), a fiercely independent, Canadian owned and operated agency, is looking for an Account Director. Our “agency within an agency” structure with sister digital division, ruckus Digital, allows every member of our team the creative flexibility to work collaboratively between each of our core disciplines. This is an opportunity to accelerate your career in an entrepreneurial, flat agency structure with limited bureaucracy and daily access to senior leadership.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, the Account Director (AD) will lead and provide strategic oversight and overall project management across a number of accounts; with a focus on growth and client retention. Working with the account team to develop and execute integrated communications plans that exceed client expectations, the AD is commercially minded, with strong financial acumen, creative in nature, and adept at building relationships. In this leadership role, team mentorship and positive motivation are imperative. The right candidate has previous agency experience and is an ambitious, highly motivated self-starter who will be comfortable working in an ever-changing, fast-paced, and accelerated growth environment.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Client Strategy & Account Direction
- Strategic Leadership: Support EVP as the day-to-day strategic lead for client initiatives, providing high-level counsel and developing long-term plans that align with client business goals.
- 360° Communications: Plan, develop, and oversee the execution of integrated communications strategies, ensuring that all campaigns are cohesive across PR, social, and digital platforms.
- Client Relationships: Foster and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, acting as an extension of their in-house team, and proactively addressing any issues that arise.
- Program Management: Lead the development and oversee the execution of project plans, strategies, and new business pitches, ensuring alignment with client objectives and agency capabilities.
- Creative Direction: Guide the creation of impactful press materials and storytelling efforts, from media pitches and events to digital content, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest quality standards.
Client Success & Retention
- Client Onboarding: Develop and oversee client onboarding processes to ensure seamless integration and alignment with client expectations.
- Retention Programs: Implement programs and strategies designed to build and maintain client relationships, including regular check-ins, gifting, and client satisfaction surveys.
- Innovation: Continuously explore new and innovative ways to deliver value to clients, staying ahead of industry trends and best practices.
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentorship: Provide effective leadership and mentorship to account teams, promoting a culture of high performance, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Performance Management: Oversee the performance and professional development of direct reports, providing regular feedback and conducting performance appraisals.
- Resource Allocation: Work with VP and department heads to plan and allocate resources across accounts, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
Business Development
- Revenue Growth: Identify opportunities to increase agency revenue by upselling services to existing clients and securing new business.
- New Business Pitches: Actively participate in the development and presentation of new business proposals and pitches.
- Agency Positioning: Collaborate with agency leadership to enhance the agency’s market positioning, including participation in industry events, networking, and award submissions.
Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum 8-10 years of agency experience with a demonstrated track record of success in managing key client relationships and driving business growth.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and results-driven performance.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive plans that drive client success.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with high EQ, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the public relations and communications landscape, including media relations, creator and influencer program management, digital strategies, and industry trends.
- Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail, while having the ability to summarize complex and detailed information. Ensure all client-facing materials and communications are free from errors and meet agency standards.
- Client Interaction: Be present and oversee media events, press trips, and other client-related activities, including after-hours as needed. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required by client and business needs.
Compensation:
APEX PR is committed to offering competitive pay for the role and experience that the candidate brings. Based on the experience the salary range for this role is $100,000-$130,000.
Benefits and perks include:
Health & Wellness: Full-time permanent employees get medical, vision, and dental benefits, no waiting period!
Holiday Chill: We slow down for a paid break during Christmas (subject to client work).
Additional Perks: Wellness account, annual retreats, flexible time off (floater days & annual volunteer day).
Location:
We currently work a hybrid week with staff being in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the requirement of being in the office as often as required.
APEX Public Relations is dedicated to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We recognize that the best candidate may not meet all of the criteria listed above. We encourage all those interested and with relevant experience to apply even if they don’t match the job posting perfectly. We welcome diverse, out-of-the-box thinking, and we strive to provide an environment for learning, growth and innovation. If you require any accommodation during the recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected].
We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
