The Variable is a forward-thinking advertising agency focused on driving ownable differentiation for our clients. We believe the strongest results happen when brand and performance work together, creating ideas that break through, spend that works harder, and outcomes that multiply. With a dedication to innovation and strategic partnership, we work as true client partners to deliver creative that inspires, strategies that perform, and results that matter.
POSITION SUMMARY
As Account Director, you lead the day-to-day and long-term health of one or more key client accounts. You are the senior client relationship owner for your accounts, ensuring that strategic direction from Business Consulting is translated into executable scopes, timelines, and budgets that deliver measurable results.
You work closely with Delivery, Operations, and Finance to ensure projects are feasible, properly resourced, and delivered on time and on budget. You mentor Associate Directors and Supervisors on your team, ensuring account management excellence in every engagement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Account Leadership & Growth
- Serve as the senior account lead for your client portfolio, maintaining overall account health, profitability, and satisfaction.
- Partner with Business Consulting to ensure strategic recommendations are fully reflected in scopes, timelines, and delivery plans.
- Identify and surface organic growth opportunities to Business Consulting.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with senior client stakeholders.
Account Management Excellence
- Lead scope building, timeline development, and budget tracking for your accounts.
- Monitor delivery performance and proactively resolve risks in partnership with Delivery and Agency Operations.
- Ensure work is delivered at the highest quality and aligns with client objectives.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- With Business Consulting, Strategy, Media, and Creative leads: Partner to ensure all account deliverables are informed by the right insights, creative direction, and media plans.
- With Delivery/Agency Operations: Confirm feasibility, staffing, and timelines for account projects before kickoff.
- With Finance: Track and manage budget health for assigned accounts, reporting shifts promptly.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor Associate Directors, Account Supervisors, or other Account Management team members assigned to your accounts.
- Provide feedback, coaching, and career development guidance.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable team environment.
KEY TRAITS
- Strategic Account Driver: Balances client partnership with delivery discipline.
- Relationship Builder: Maintains senior-level trust and credibility with clients.
- Operationally Minded: Keeps scopes, budgets, and timelines aligned.
- Collaborative Leader: Works effectively with BC, Delivery, and Finance.
- Team Developer: Strengthens AM talent and capabilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10–12 years of experience in account management, with leadership over high-value accounts.
- Proven ability to maintain profitability while delivering high-quality work.
- Strong scope management, financial oversight, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Experience leading both brand and performance marketing initiatives.
WE OFFER
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with strong employer contributions
- 401(k) with a 4 percent employer match, immediately vested
- Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement
- Meaningful bonus opportunities, including client referrals, employee referrals, and a peer-to-peer bonus program that gives you $1,000 each year to recognize teammates doing great work
- Up to 14 weeks of paid parental and medical leave, plus a paid, part-time transition back to work, designed to support recovery, bonding, and balance for all parents
- Generous paid time off that increases with tenure, plus Me Time Off (MTO) for the real-life moments that don’t require a full PTO day
- Paid holidays and agency-wide closures, with additional flexibility built into our time-off approach
- Bereavement leave that recognizes loss in all its forms, including miscarriage
- Protected “Heads Down” time every Wednesday afternoon, reserved for deep focus and uninterrupted work
- Hybrid work model with intentional in-office collaboration and flexibility where it works best
- Mental health, financial wellness, and well-being resources to support you as a whole person
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume directly to Megan Streba, mstreba@thevariable.com
Please note: We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role.
