Sr Account Executive

OVERVIEW:
At Trade School, we believe content is a powerful tool to solve modern business problems through innovation and modern connections. We are an integrated content agency, creating smarter conversations between brands and people with beautifully crafted content.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Account Executive (SAE) is responsible for leading the day-to-day workflow for the assigned client and/or project. This role is evenly divided between strategic and project management and requires being a nimble, self-starter with a passion for the work of the agency and the client’s business. The position requires sharp communication and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to lead internal agency team members to produce great work. The SAE should have a solid understanding of all marketing/advertising channels, their clients’ business and the agency profitability model.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Management

• Manage and execute a variety of projects ranging in scale and complexity, including existing asset and custom production workflows
• Lead internal project meetings, clearly communicating expectations for each team member regarding timelines, deliverables, roles, and project outputs
• Ensure the agency’s work is a reflection of our integrated expertise and is executed to the highest level of quality - on time & on budget supporting brand and overall strategy; briefs, POVs, creative, media plans, etc with little to no oversight
• Responsible for workflow across assigned projects ensuring teams move all projects from start to finish according to the brief, on schedule and on budget, providing guidance and solutions based on anticipated client feedback
• Follow agency best practices while managing project budgets, estimates, invoice processing, expense reports, and other financially related activities; and seek to improve our processes across projects.
• Develop understanding of agency legal, IP, and business affairs processes, and ensure the team is adhering to protocol at all times
• Track and anticipate potential roadblocks for agency team, and proactively seek solutions and workarounds to ensure team stays on task

Account Management

• Establish client’s confidence by knowing the objective and status of every client-related activity including those delegated to junior team members
• Become an expert on Client’s business, maintaining a strong knowledge of the category, emerging trends and technology by staying three steps ahead
• Actively manage client expectations and status of marketing objectives through regular client check-ins, keeping the Account Director informed and elevating issues and opportunities as needed

Business Development

• Work towards leveraging relationships with clients and intimate familiarity with client business to identify opportunities for incremental projects and assignments with agency’s goals in mind
• Merchandise Trade School work to clients

Cross-functional Team Leadership

• Establish trusted working relationships with cross-functional team members that leads to successful project outcomes
• Anticipate and resolve internal team and client issues as they are identified and utilize the support of the leadership team as needed
• Develop and manage junior team members workflow to ensure day-to-day tasks are met, while identifying new opportunities for individuals growth
• Demonstrate core account management skills including strategic thinking, creative evaluation, written and verbal communication style, and conflict resolution
• Demonstrate core project management skills including problem-solving, timeline and financial management, obsessive organization, and empathetic servant leadership
• Personify Trade School culture and set the standard for collaborative relationships

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• 3 - 6 years of experience at an agency or similar
• Superb written and verbal communication skills
• Proven expertise in Trade School’s foundational offerings including digital, social or broadcast campaign strategy, planning and production
• Ability to inspire confidence and growth in agency and client team members
• Strong understanding of all agency disciplines & services
• Exhibits strategic thinking with ease and has mastered the evolution from “how should I do it” to “here is how I think it should be done and why”
• Proven ability to think on your feet when presented with obstacles to initial plan
• Earned confidence from integrated team with ability to think strategically and influence clients
• Comfortable using Mac, Keynote, G-Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and agency management software

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Comfortable working in an evolving environment, including with AI – curious and focused on problem-solving
• Acts with authority and empathy in all situations and sets the tone for the team
• Proven ability to multitask, delegate, and set priorities in a fast moving environment
• Has strong self-awareness and is able to adapt to build successful relationships both internally and externally
• Effective management and growth of junior team members
• Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented in all situations