Account Manager

SJR is an award-winning content consultancy. We believe in the power of transformative content and have an unparalleled group of people with uncommon talents who do content marketing differently. We combine journalistic rigor with creative intelligence, then amplify with technology to sharpen the conversation, decode complexity, transfer knowledge, and build trust.

We hire passionate innovators, disruptors and content marketers to join us on our mission to create best-in-class brand storytelling. We strategize and create for the world’s best and biggest brands. Because they have such an impact on society, we have a big impact, too.  

What we’re looking for

Group SJR is currently seeking an Account Manager to support the Client Services team in meeting their objectives and delivering the highest quality client experience. Our Account Managers are executional strategists, equal parts client counselor, content manager, project manager, problem solver and operations manager. They are the day-to-day client contact, run account operations and deliver programs that address clients’ specific business challenges on time and on budget.

The Account Manager role is critical to delivering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations. In making it all happen, they will liaise with clients, in-house teams, and external partners to maintain an organized workflow from original concepts through to production, approval, launch and measurement. They have the trust of their team and the trust of their client to manage tight deadlines and prioritize work on our valuable accounts.

They understand how to provide constructive feedback in the client’s voice on creative products, how to position outputs for success with clients and how to ensure client feedback is reflected in all final products. Their ambitious personality and methodical approach drive results by action and attention to detail.

As the hub of our client services engine, the Account Manager is an experienced doer who rolls up their sleeves to uphold the highest standards and sets the tone for the overall experience of working with SJR.

Responsibilities
Account Management

• Runs day-to-day client operations, including all communication and account administration:
  • Is the key client contact on matters ranging from approach, strategy, timing, deliverables, issues, budgets, and new opportunities with support from client lead.
  • Writes timely emails, picks up the phone , is proactive about in-person meetings, assists with presentations, sends reports and agendas, etc.
  • Managing project timelines and communicating deadlines and deliverables, working up and down within the team to ensure expectations are met.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking by keeping abreast of client’s business, industry, audience and competitive environment to build a comprehensive understanding of the inputs that affect their business; keeps the internal team apprised of new developments
• Demonstrates problem-solving skills when dealing with client requests and issues; escalates as necessary and creates transparency around health of the relationship
• Leads presentations with clients, whether on concepts, a content strategy, a budget, etc.
• Supports SJR client lead with invoicing and payment collection, drafts MSAs and compliance with SOWs; maintains revenue forecasts, budgeting, vendor setup and budget management and reconciliation
• Establish good relationships and communications across the agency and with partners

Creative + Editorial

• Organizes and runs creative ideation and brainstorming sessions, including:
  • Developing concepts that address client briefs
  • Writing up creative ideas for client presentations, ensures they are positioned effectively and are clear, feasible and budgeted
• Translates client-approved ideas into briefs for editorial and creative teams that are clear and concise and keep the business objective top of mind
• Provides the editorial team with detailed research on content topics to enable the quick and accurate development of content concepts; ensures insights are reflected in final content
• Provides feedback and input on projects throughout the entirety of the process
• Supports in-house teams, closely monitoring the work of creative, production and analytics to deliver on time and on brief
  • Pre-production support: from research to briefs, administration, client communications and expectation setting, vendor management, etc.
  • On-location support; works closely with creative teams to ensure on-location production is run efficiently and to client expectations

Growth + Business Development

• Identifies opportunities within existing client relationships to unlock organic growth and maximize profitability of current SOWs
• Helping to identify potential new clients and works with client lead to develop strategies to convert them
• Establishes and maintains relationships with colleagues at partner agencies to help SJR become front of mind for new opportunities
• Participates in pitch development and presentations (as needed)

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of account management experience, preferably in an agency setting
• Meticulous, organized, technical and creative at the same time, comfortable managing multiple streams of work and client feedback
• Proven ability to approach the business with the confidence to know when to listen and when to be heard, and the awareness to develop points of view and know when to effectively communicate them
• Strong time management and project coordination skills to support clients and ensure delivery of high-quality work on tight deadlines
• Able to review and deliver written materials that are error-free, grammatically correct and on time
• An understanding of editorial strategy and experience implementing it across a variety of platforms and channels
• Demonstrated ability to listen effectively, document proceedings accurately, drive and support ongoing dialogue
• Commitment to continuous improvement with a demonstrated drive to respond to feedback through an iterative review process
• An inquisitive mind, always looking to expand your understanding of the current business environment
• Flexible, adaptable, and responsive when quick turnarounds are required
• Capability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team
• Experience using collaborative team communication and project management applications (e.g., Monday and Teams)
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications

Bonus Points

• Experience in a journalistic or publishing environment, bringing a strong understanding of storytelling and content creation.

• A passion for staying up-to-date on the latest trends in content marketing, digital strategy, and technology

Why Join Group SJR?

• Be a part of a pioneering team: Work alongside some of the brightest minds in content strategy and communications.

• Shape the future of content: Help leading organizations tell their stories in a way that resonates with their audiences and drives results.

• Make a real impact: See your strategic vision come to life and contribute to the success of our clients.

• Grow your career: We're committed to providing our employees with opportunities for professional development and advancement.

• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive culture: We value teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for content and a desire to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply!

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SJR is dedicated to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We also welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates to take part in all aspects of the recruitment process. 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, visit WPP Benefits for more details.