Account Director

Sparks is a live + digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection--real human connection--onsite, online or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.

**Position Overview**:
The Account Director (AD) fosters client relationships and revenues through the delivery of integrated experiential marketing programs. The Account Director is responsible for managing and growing a client base of premier brands, supervising Account Management and project teams and delivering successful client programs. The focus of the Account Director will be on long-term innovative strategies to improve client programs and client success.

**Responsibilities**:

- Develop thorough understanding of Sparks (infrastructure, capabilities and staff roles) and devise communication strategies to present our complete portfolio of offerings to clients in order to grow client revenue.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients at all levels and across all industries, understanding their business and marketing initiatives in order to provide effective solutions
- Build trust and loyalty to ensure client needs are listened to, understood and responded to in a timely way.
- Provide financial forecasts to senior leadership as requested; own and manage all client Master Sales Agreements, project SOWs, budgets and schedules with team leads.
- Complete strategic briefs as needed for project kick-off meetings, both internally and externally.
- Communicate clearly to the client regarding roles and responsibilities, scope, budget, schedules and project status.
- Collaborate closely and regularly with Sparks internal teams, especially project leads in order to gain understanding of the appropriate roles required to execute each program. Remain involved with account management team from project inception through execution in order to guarantee client objectives are met.
- Strategize and collaborate with the Marketing and Creative departments to prepare RFPS, RFIs, and presentations. Participate in creative brainstorms.
- Provide reporting on items such as prospect meetings, new opportunities, sales forecasts and project development.
- Ensure ad hoc project management of specific projects in close collaboration with the account management team.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Types of Programs**:

- Exhibits / Tradeshow Programs
- Sponsorship Activations
- Large Scale Conferences and Events
- Product Launches + Press Events
- Thought Leadership Forums
- Mobile Tours / Roadshows

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 10+ years successful exhibit and event/experiential industry experience.
- Strong client management, organizational and both verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated account management competencies: accountability for results, client focus, team effectiveness, developing others, sales drive, organizational sophistication and influencing others.
- Ability to anticipate problems, proactively determine solutions and take action within a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work flexible hours under extreme pressure and deadlines.
- Positive attitude, strong and enthusiastic team player
- Ability to travel as requested.

**Preferred Skills**:

- Motivated, service-oriented, resourceful and self-driven
- Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player
- Ability to operate within a fast-paced environment
- Tech-Savvy; proficient in the Google G Suite, Microsoft Office, social networking platforms, collaborative team project management software, etc.
- IT industry experience is a plus.
- Multiple languages incl French and/or Spanish is a plus.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Sparks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training._

Work Location: In person