Account Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Director

🔹 Company: MERGE

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the Life Science client services team
• Forge lasting relationships between clients and agency
• Develop strategies and marketing programs
• Ensure effective communication and project management
• Grow business through identifying additional needs and implementing solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Regularly assimilate business, customer, and marketplace insights into strategies and marketing programs for in-store and owned digital properties

✅ Balance the dual expectations of the agency and clients efficiently and effectively

✅ Maintain consistent and regular communication with client teams to ensure projects are on strategy, on time, and on budget

✅ 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 identifying additional business needs and implementing 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: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

🎯 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 in marketing, product messaging, and emerging technologies
• Superior professional communication and presentation skills
• Ability to evaluate competitive communications across categories
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and 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: Experience in the Life Science industry and understanding of the MLR process would be beneficial but not required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $98,300 - $117,950 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 plus many other benefits and rewards

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services, with a focus on health, wellness, and happiness

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 2018, with a history of working with top clients in various industries

Company Description:

• MERGE is built different to deliver storytelling through technology
• Expertise spans consumer and health brands, with a deep understanding of consumer decisions
• Services include strategy, creative, PR & communications, experience engineering, performance marketing, media, and digital platform development

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 storytelling through technology sets it apart in the advertising industry, with a strong emphasis on health, wellness, and happiness.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and leadership

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Client Services

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a combination of on-site and remote work

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a senior leadership role within the agency
• Opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients and industries
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills and advance their career within the agency.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a combination of on-site and remote work

Office Location(s): 220 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, IL is a major city with a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene
• The office is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, providing easy access to public transportation and amenities
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that combines on-site and remote work

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides a balance between collaboration and flexibility, allowing employees to work from home when needed but also enjoy the benefits of an office environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Senior Vice President of Client Services

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking
li>Understanding of the Life Science industry and MLR process
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, particularly those related to account management, client relationships, and strategic thinking
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
• Prepare examples of your ability to evaluate competitive communications and develop client service strategies

ATS Keywords: Account Management, Client Relationships, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Presentation Skills, Marketing, Life Sciences, Team Leadership, Creative Solutions, Business Development, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Trend Analysis, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should take the time to tailor their application materials to demonstrate their fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Marketing and advertising software (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Marketo)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

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:

• Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork
• Results-driven, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality work for clients
• Open and inclusive, with a focus on diversity and inclusion

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in account management, particularly in the Life Science industry?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with a diverse team?
• Do you have strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to evaluate competitive communications and develop strategic solutions?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with MERGE's values and work style, and who have a proven track record of success in account management, are likely to be strong fits for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously may be challenging for some candidates
• The fast-paced nature of the role may require long hours and tight deadlines
• The Life Science industry can be complex and highly regulated, requiring a strong understanding of the MLR process
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or fully on-site work environment

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong time management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt to different work environments.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to an Account Director role in a traditional advertising agency, but with a focus on the Life Science industry and a commitment to promoting health, wellness, and happiness
• The Life Science industry is highly regulated and requires a strong understanding of the MLR process, which may not be required in other advertising roles
• This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients and industries, and to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the Life Science industry and commitment to promoting health, wellness, and happiness, but shares many similarities with traditional Account Director roles in advertising agencies.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new Life Science product launch, including in-store and digital campaigns
• Managing a rebranding project for a healthcare provider, including logo design, website development, and marketing materials
• Creating a targeted advertising campaign for a health and wellness product, including market research, segmentation, and messaging

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and creative development to project management and execution.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the agency approach work-life balance, particularly for hybrid roles?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working at MERGE, according to current employees?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company culture, helping candidates make an informed decision about the fit of the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, particularly those related to account management, client relationships, and strategic thinking
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
• Prepare examples of your ability to evaluate competitive communications and develop client service strategies
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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