π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Account Director
πΉ Company: Acorn Strategy
πΉ Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Hybrid)
πΉ Job Type: Full-time
πΉ Category: Advertising & Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: May 7, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
πΉ Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading strategic direction and operational delivery of high-profile client accounts
- Securing and nurturing long-term client relationships through outstanding service and value
- Mentoring and guiding the team in best-practice account management
- Supervising team members to ensure on-time, accurate deliverables that align with client strategy and contractual goals
- Bringing creativity and impact to work, producing award-worthy campaigns that truly stand out
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and strong client relationship management skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in account management, preferably within a PR or strategic communications agency.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of high-profile client accounts
β
Secure and nurture long-term client relationships through outstanding service and value
β
Mentor and guide the team in best-practice account management
β
Supervise team members to ensure on-time, accurate deliverables that align with client strategy and contractual goals
β
Bring creativity and impact to work, producing award-worthy campaigns that truly stand out
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, client interaction, team management, and campaign execution. Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills are essential for success in this position.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in account management, preferably within a PR or strategic communications agency
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in account management
- Excellent client relationship management skills
- Strong leadership and team mentoring abilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with high-profile clients
- Fluency in Arabic (desirable but not essential)
- Knowledge of the UAE market and regional trends
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a solid background in account management, with a focus on client success and strategic communication. Experience in the UAE market is a plus but not required.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AED 25,000 - 35,000 per month (Estimated based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in Abu Dhabi)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Performance-based bonuses
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in Abu Dhabi. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Acorn Strategy is an award-winning marketing and communications agency specializing in integrated strategies that deliver measurable results. They operate globally with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jakarta, Melbourne, and London.
Company Size: Acorn Strategy has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where employees can have a significant impact on the organization's success.
Founded: Acorn Strategy was founded in 2010, giving it over a decade of experience in the industry.
Company Description:
- Acorn Strategy is an integrated marketing communications agency that blends insights, creativity, and precision to help organizations flourish, branch out, and grow.
- The agency leverages collective senior leadership experience and evidence-based methodologies to achieve outcomes that align directly with clients' business objectives.
- Acorn Strategy specializes in integrated strategy and delivery, brand marketing communications, digital marketing, strategic communications, and marketing operations and advisory.
Company Specialties:
- Marketing strategy
- Analysis and insights
- Marketing consulting
- Marketing management
- Implementation
- Public relations
- Communications
- Brand strategy
- Customer journey
- Influencer management
- Social media
- Digital content
- Content creation
- Content management
- Community management
- Media relations
Company Website: http://www.acornstrategy.com
ASSUMPTION: Acorn Strategy's diverse range of services and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Account Director will report directly to the Managing Director and will oversee a team of account managers and executives.
Work Arrangement: This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with 2-3 days in the office and the rest of the week working remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior leadership role within the agency
- Expanding client portfolio and team management responsibilities
- Developing expertise in specific industry verticals or service offerings
ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role at Acorn Strategy offers a clear path for career progression, with opportunities to grow within the agency and take on more senior responsibilities.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in the twofour54 Building 4, Abu Dhabi
Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, UAE
Geographic Context:
- Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates
- The city offers a multicultural environment with a mix of traditional and modern architecture
- Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate with mild winters and very hot summers
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the Managing Director and/or other senior team members
- Case study or presentation preparation and presentation (if required)
- Final decision and job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Client relationship management skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and team mentoring capabilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Acorn Strategy's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in account management, client relationship building, and campaign execution
- Research Acorn Strategy's clients, services, and market position to demonstrate your understanding of the agency and its offerings
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Client Relationships, Team Mentoring, Strategic Direction, Operational Delivery, Campaign Production, Service Excellence
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Acorn Strategy is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to excel in the Account Director role.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Design and creative tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the industry and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Transparency
Work Style:
- Results-driven
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Proactive and solutions-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with diverse teams and clients from various backgrounds?
- Do you have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Acorn Strategy values employees who are passionate about their work, committed to delivering excellence, and able to thrive in a collaborative and innovative work environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple high-profile client accounts simultaneously
- Balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery and day-to-day tasks
- Adapting to the unique cultural and business environments of diverse clients
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in account management and strategic communications
ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role at Acorn Strategy presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges effectively and contribute to the agency's continued success.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Account Director roles, this position offers a more hands-on approach to campaign execution and client relationship building
- Acorn Strategy's focus on integrated marketing communications sets it apart from traditional PR or advertising agencies
- This role provides opportunities for career growth and development within the agency, with a clear path to senior leadership positions
ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role at Acorn Strategy is unique in its focus on integrated marketing communications and offers a distinct set of opportunities and challenges compared to similar roles in the industry.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for a high-profile client launch event
- Managing a team to create and implement a multi-channel marketing campaign for a brand re-launch
- Conducting a comprehensive client audit and developing a tailored strategy to improve their marketing effectiveness
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities the Account Director may be expected to undertake in this role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Acorn Strategy support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the agency's approach to work-life balance, and how is this role expected to fit within that framework?
- How does Acorn Strategy measure the success of its Account Directors, and what are the key performance indicators for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the organization's culture and expectations.
π 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
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in account management, client relationship building, and campaign execution
- Research Acorn Strategy's clients, services, and market position to demonstrate your understanding of the agency and its offerings
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.