Account Director

At GSD&M were on a mission to build First & Only brands meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. Were able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. Were humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because thats what it takes to build and be First & Only.

• DEPARTMENT: Account Leadership
• REPORTS TO: Group AccountDirector or Managing Director
• TRAVEL: 4050%
• FLSA STATUS: Exempt
• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
• LOCATION: Austin

POSITION FUNCTION
As an Account Director you own your own business. More than any other position you embody the entrepreneurial spirit thats empowered GSD&Ms success from the very beginning. You are the Idea Team commander process champion momentum owner conscience of the team and the cultivator of great ideas and talent. Your partnership with the client is crucial in creating the trust that builds momentum for everythingthat follows. You create an environment that fosters bravery and optimistic problem-solving.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

BE A FEARLESS LEADER.
As a director you are now leading and not just managing. Foster an environment that promotes risk-taking and bravery. Lead by example. Get to know your team and practice empathy. Set account and individual goals and help everyone succeed. As a leader of the integrated Idea Team demonstrate cross-channel engagement and expertise. Master the art of managing up (to your supervisor) down (to your team/direct reports) and sideways (to your peers/client team).

CHAMPION INTELLIGENT AND INSPIRING STRATEGY.
Partner in paying the price to solve the real problem: Lead insightful briefsand smart plans and then sell the heck out of them.

FUEL CREATIVITY.
Creative is not a department. Run the wall: Engage in the work and partnerwith creative directors. Inspire ideas and build on others. Stoke the fireswith the client. Talk to them about great ideas outside of their business andset the stage for presentations.

BE A TRUSTED CLIENT PARTNER.
Our primary goal is to build our clients business. You own theresponsibility for the success of the client relationship. Develop a rhythm ofclient/agency relationship review meetings every three to six should be in person and in writing. This tactic has been proven touncover simmering issues and protect the life of our relationships withclients and revenue from clients. Track results and lead optimization. Bethe gold standard for collaboration and integration. One of GSD&Ms greatadvantages in the marketplace is our approach to collaboration andintegration and you are the standard-bearer. Help our clients be heroes intheir organization. Most importantly always do what you say youre goingto do. Ensure the agency delivers.

OWN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
The agencys money is your money. Understand how to build a scope ofwork and efficient staffing plan. Manage P&L and look for growthopportunities. You are ultimately responsible for the profitability ofyour account.

REMAIN CURIOUS.
Cultivate an insatiable appetite for understanding. Hone your craft. Seekknowledge of the changing marketplace and emerging opportunities andeducate your team. Be a student of our business and your clients business.

MAXIMIZE TALENT.
Grow your ranks. Train guide and empower. Foster safe radical generous ongoing candor. Be a champion for the agencyand seek out new talent. Diversify our teams to ensure we have diverseperspectives and voices within GSD&M. Dont forget to build your own skillset and seek out opportunities to do so.

BE UNFLAPPABLE.
You set the tone for every conversation. Be the level-headed voice ofreason. Demonstrate a commanding presence but listen. Lead theconversation but incite participation. Organize the chaos and calmthe waters.

OWN THE MOMENTUM.
Drive processes and be involved. Inspire action in your team. Nurtureideas until theyre bulletproof and executed. Identify areas of neededchange and be able to marshal the resources to effect change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BA required MBA a plus; prefer concentration in advertising
communications or marketing
810 years agency experience (preferred) or related
communication-industry experience that provides an
understanding of advertising marketing paid and social media
creative production research direct marketing finance etc.
Strategic thought leadership
Strong presentation and writing skills
Strong listening and interpersonal skills
Management and team-building skills
Must be highly organized and detail-oriented in a production-
intensive environment
Proficient in MS Office Suite or Mac equivalent

At GSD&M inclusion is our superpower. An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. Thats why were proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federations Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity equity and inclusion.

We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters all while enjoying generous benefits plenty of time off and opportunities for growth whether youre just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.

GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age gender ethnicity sexual orientation disability pregnancy or maternity religion or belief marriage or civil partnership gender identity expression or realignment. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process please reach out to for support.

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.