Account Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Director

🔹 Company: MERGE

🔹 Location: Kansas City, MO

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-03

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (on-site and remote work)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the Life Science client services team
• Forge powerful, lasting relationships between clients and agency
• Develop innovative in-store and digital campaigns
• Collaborate with a brilliant team in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Grow business by identifying additional business needs and implementing solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously. It also involves a significant amount of travel and on-site work.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Regular assimilation of business, customer, and marketplace insights into the development of strategies and marketing programs for in-store and owned digital properties

✅ Efficiently and effectively balance the dual expectations of the agency and our clients

✅ Maintain consistent and regular communication with client teams to share progress, creative campaigns, and deliverables

✅ Guide clients by educating them with strategy, ideas, trends, and thought leadership

✅ Create and build relationships with clients to deliver on the overall needs of the client and agency

✅ Sign off on internal agency materials for reporting to the client

✅ Grow business by utilizing experience to identify additional business needs and implement solutions

✅ Leverage experience and capabilities to craft strategic creative solutions for both existing and new business clients

✅ Incorporate senior staff from other departments as project objectives or issues warrant

✅ Manage and grow a team as a mentor and trusted advisor to the account team.

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high level of client interaction, requiring excellent communication and presentation skills. It also demands strong leadership and mentoring abilities to manage and grow the account team.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Experience: 8-10 years of account management experience at an advertising agency or similar

Required Skills:

• Strong background with store experience in marketing, product messaging, and emerging technologies
• Superior professional communication and presentation skills
• Ability to evaluate competitive communications across categories, consumers, services, cultural trends, etc.
• Willingness to roll up your sleeves to be a constant leader to a team in a highly collaborative environment and to develop and execute client service strategies
• Advanced client management skills, especially as it relates to expanding business within existing clients
• Commitment to the client, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving ability

Preferred Skills:

• Life Sciences/Pharma experience and understanding of the MLR process

ASSUMPTION: While a background in life sciences or pharma is preferred, candidates with extensive experience in account management and a strong understanding of the marketing landscape can still be successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $88,450 - $106,150 based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors.

Benefits:

• Meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Flexible Time off & Holidays

Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for account directors with similar experience levels. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's discretion.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: MERGE operates in the advertising services industry, focusing on storytelling through technology to promote health, wellness, and happiness in the world.

Company Size: MERGE is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a collaborative and agile work environment.

Founded: MERGE was founded in 2018 and has since grown to serve marquee clients such as Abbott, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GE Healthcare, Supernus, American Express, T-Mobile, Coach, and Meta.

Company Description:

• MERGE is built differently to deliver storytelling through technology.
• The company knows the health and wellness consumer, their experiences, and decision-making processes.
• MERGE offers strategy, creative, PR & communications, experience engineering, performance marketing, media, and digital platform development services.

Company Specialties:

• Business strategy
• Branding
• Creative
• Social Media
• Media Services
• UI & UX Design
• Technology Infrastructure
• eCommerce
• Digital Asset Management
• Marketing
• CRM
• Research
• Content management systems
• Strategy
• Digital marketing
• Financial marketing
• Healthcare marketing
• Storytelling
• Data analytics
• Marketo
• Business intelligence
• Paid media
• Performance marketing
• Marketing strategy
• Media
• Platform services
• Food marketing
• QSR marketing
• Casual dining marketing
• Health insurance marketing
• Health provider marketing
• Retail marketing
• Consumer marketing
• Sitecore services
• Domo
• Website development
• Adobe Workfront Marketing

Company Website: http://www.mergewell.com

ASSUMPTION: MERGE's focus on health and wellness, along with its unique approach to storytelling through technology, sets it apart in the advertising services industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring extensive experience and strong leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Account Director reports directly to the Head of Client Services and oversees the Life Science client services team.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site and remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the agency, such as Head of Client Services or another senior management position.
• Opportunities to work on diverse client projects and campaigns, expanding industry knowledge and expertise.
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the agency and make a substantial impact on client campaigns.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: MERGE's Kansas City office is a collaborative and modern workspace, designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 300 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64105, US

Geographic Context:

• Kansas City is a mid-sized city with a growing tech industry and a vibrant arts scene.
• The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
• Kansas City is centrally located, providing easy access to major markets and transportation hubs.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with a mix of on-site and remote work hours.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-depth behavioral interview to discuss past experiences and problem-solving abilities
• Final interview with the Head of Client Services or another senior team member to discuss the role and company culture

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with MERGE's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of successful client campaigns or projects you've led in the past
• Research MERGE's clients and industry focus to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Account Management, Client Relations, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Marketing Strategy, Team Leadership, Life Sciences Knowledge, Digital Campaigns, Creative Solutions, Business Development, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Agility, Industry Expertise

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at MERGE is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Client relationship management software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the client and project, but strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools is essential.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Ability: Mastering our craft
• Agility: Delivering with a growth mindset
• Humility: Collaborating for shared success

Work Style:

• MERGE values a collaborative and agile work environment, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
• The company encourages employees to take initiative and be proactive in their roles.
• MERGE fosters a culture of open communication and transparency, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in account management, with a strong focus on client relationships and business development?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with a mix of on-site and remote work?
• Do you possess excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade clients and internal stakeholders?
• Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development, with a strong desire to master your craft and deliver exceptional results?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with MERGE's values and work style, and who are committed to continuous learning and professional development, will be the best fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously, with varying priorities and deadlines
• Balancing the dual expectations of the agency and clients, with a focus on delivering exceptional results for both
• Adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment, with a strong emphasis on agility and flexibility
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, despite limited face-to-face interaction in a hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, excellent communication and time management abilities, and a high level of adaptability and resilience.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other account director roles in advertising agencies, this role places a stronger emphasis on life sciences and healthcare marketing experience and knowledge of the MLR process.
• In the broader marketing and advertising industry, this role requires a higher level of strategic thinking and business development skills, with a focus on growing existing client relationships.
• Career progression in this role may follow a similar path to other senior management positions in advertising agencies, with opportunities to advance to head of client services or another senior leadership role.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for candidates with a strong background in life sciences or healthcare marketing, looking to advance their careers in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product launch in the life sciences industry, including in-store promotions, digital campaigns, and public relations efforts
• Managing a team to create and implement a targeted marketing campaign for a specific patient population, with a focus on improving health outcomes and patient adherence
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and launch a new brand for a healthcare provider, including brand positioning, visual identity, and marketing communications

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, creative, and collaborative nature of the account director role at MERGE, with a focus on delivering exceptional results for clients.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to client relationships and business development, and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in senior management roles?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does the hybrid work arrangement support that?
• How does the company measure the success of its client campaigns and marketing efforts, and how does this role contribute to that process?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how does the company support its employees in overcoming those challenges?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the company's culture, values, and approach to employee growth and development, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on life sciences or healthcare marketing experience and strong communication and presentation skills
• Prepare examples of successful client campaigns or projects you've led in the past, with a focus on strategic thinking, creativity, and business development
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.