Account Director (onsite, hybrid)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Account Director is a client partner and project leader, responsible for driving the strategic direction, creative excellence, and operational success of client accounts within our agency. This role blends high-level client relationship management, hands-on project management, and strategic brand leadership to ensure outstanding creative work and seamless client service. The Account Director acts as the key liaison between clients and agency teams, orchestrating resources and processes to deliver impactful, multi-channel marketing and design solutions. This position currently reports to the CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Creative Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with clients and internal teams and understanding client’s business objectives, brand, and industry landscape.

• Lead the development and execution of strategic, creative, and design solutions that address client needs and business challenges.

• Demonstrate deep knowledge of clients’ businesses and industries and proactively review competitive/industry news for insights.

• Drive strategy for each client project and craft insightful creative briefs that inspire great work.

• Champion the agency’s creative output, ensuring all deliverables align with client goals and push creative boundaries.

• Be well-versed in brand strategies, architecture, naming, and strong communication strategies.

• Lead client presentations alongside the creative team.

Multi-Channel Marketing & Research

• Understand, recommend, and develop integrated multi-channel marketing communications strategies, including:

  • Customer journey mapping/flow

  • Lead generation strategies and tactics

  • Digital strategies (web, SEO, digital media, endemic/programmatic/social)

  • Lead teams in all primary and secondary research (qualitative, quantitative, segmentation, creative concept testing, etc.), where applicable.

Project & Account Management

• Work closely with Project Management to oversee end-to-end management of projects: scoping, budgeting, timeline creation, resource allocation, and risk management.

• Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards, deadlines, and budget requirements.

• Collaborate closely with creative, design, and production teams to translate client briefs into actionable plans and inspiring work.

• Manage project financials, including estimates, proposals, invoicing, and revenue tracking.

• Forecast account trajectory to aid in agency budget planning.

• Introduce and manage retainer-style arrangements with clients to strengthen relationships and promote consistent income streams (where possible)

Client Growth & Agency Improvement

• Proactively identify opportunities for account growth and new business; participate in pitches and upselling agency services.

• Grow agency revenue on assigned account(s) year over year; grow accounts by managing expectations and staying in communication with client contacts, presenting new ideas, suggesting solutions to problems.

• Mentor and lead account managers, project coordinators, and junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.

• Assist agency leadership with improvement and promotion initiatives.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ensure clear, consistent communication with clients and internal teams throughout project lifecycles, anticipating and resolving issues as they arise.

• Attend and lead client meetings, engaging independently and confidently with clients.

• Collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and third parties.

• Communicate effectively with senior leadership on account performance, client feedback, and growth opportunities.

• Uphold & demonstrate Kick brand values, operating as a role model and influential leader in the agency.

Perform/manage other responsibilities, as may be assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS + SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, design, business, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).

• 8–10+ years of account management/marketing experience in a creative, design, or advertising agency (or similar/comparable experience), with proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from inception through delivery.

• Demonstrated experience with digital, paid media, and social channels, and multi-channel marketing strategies.

• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills with team members, freelancers, and clients.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to lead agency teams, mentor talent, and build strong client relationships.

• Strategic thinking ability; strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing project budgets and profitability.

• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools.

• Ability to multi-task; quickly absorb, analyze and act on large amounts of information in a fast-paced environment.

• A passion for creativity, design, problem-solving and delivering outstanding client experiences.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Preferred: The ideal candidate will bring experience in the healthcare, med/tech, CPG and/or pet and animal health industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a hybrid position, working primarily at the Kick Office in Northeast Minneapolis. Dependent on scheduling needs for this role, this position may work from a remote location two days per week. Occasional travel for client meetings may be required.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401K, agency perks, and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. Kick is an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT KICK:

Kick is a Minneapolis-based creative agency specializing in helping organizations stand out and make an impact through strategic brand development, creative storytelling, and innovative design solutions. With a multidisciplinary team, Kick partners with clients across industries to craft distinctive brand identities, engaging campaigns, and cohesive digital experiences that drive results. The agency is known for its collaborative approach, combining strategic insight with bold creativity to deliver work that is both effective and memorable. By focusing on clarity, originality, and measurable outcomes, Kick empowers brands to connect with the audiences and achieve their business goals.