The Key Account Director (KAD) is a vital client-facing role within the Client Services team at 829 tasked with overseeing the strategic management and growth of our key client accounts. This role includes indirect supervision over a pod that consists of an Account Management Manager (AMM) and 2 - 4 Account Managers under their charge.
The KAD is key in setting and steering the strategic course for the pod’s client portfolio, focusing on enhancing client retention, leading in client issue resolutions, monitoring performance metrics, and spotting opportunities for upselling. Effective collaboration with strategists and the AMM is essential for devising and implementing marketing strategies that are customized and effective, meeting the clients' goals. This position is pivotal in fostering growth and sustaining high client satisfaction in our fast-paced agency setting.
What You'll Do
Strategic Client Management:
Oversee the strategic direction of all pod accounts, providing resources and support to develop comprehensive strategies that align with client goals.
Cultivate and maintain senior-level client relationships to deeply understand their needs and expectations, ensuring our strategies effectively address their goals. This involves organizing and leading quarterly breakout sessions with clients to discuss and refine strategies.
Overseeing the creation and delivery of customized QBRs that showcase client-specific insights and progress. This includes working closely with the AMM to provide the AM feedback on areas of improvement and framing.
Monitoring client churn rates and providing detailed reports to senior leadership. The KAD analyzes trends and formulates strategies aimed at minimizing client turnover and boosting retention, leveraging operational insights from the AMM who handles the day-to-day management aspects.
Client Retention and Growth:
Strategically identifying and facilitating the exploration of opportunities for account growth and upselling, ensuring alignment with a clients broader business objectives. This includes working with an AM on narrative around the upsell and positioning. Operational aspects of the SOW and resourcing will sit with the AMM.
Develop and refine client retention strategies based on continuous feedback and performance data to ensure contract renewal and strong customer survey scores (LIFT).
Monitor client satisfaction diligently, intervening as needed to address concerns and support AMs during client escalations and then mapping a plan for the AM or AMM to follow-up in a 30-60-90 day cadence to ensure issue resolution.
In coordination with the AM, establish and maintain a schedule of regular communications with key clients to keep them informed of account progress and new opportunities.
Servicing of individually owned accounts:
Take personal responsibility for the servicing of individually owned accounts, $80,000, within the pod, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
Respective of the KAD own portfolio, lead regular client comms to showcase new marketing strategies and technologies, strengthening client engagement and education.
Team Leadership and Development
Provide mentorship to the AMM and Account Managers, focusing on enhancing their strategic thinking and client management skills.
Dotted Line Management:
Leverage insights from the AMM and Account Managers to inform upselling and retention strategies.
Ensure high-quality service delivery from AMs, fostering a proactive approach to client management.
Where individual performance concerns are present, coordinate feedback directly with the Account Manager and if needed escalate to the AMM.
Performance Monitoring:
Monitor key performance indicators for accounts, including satisfaction scores, retention rates, and revenue growth, adjusting strategies as needed.
Conduct regular monthly meetings with AMM to assess the health of accounts and strategize improvements.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Ensure seamless collaboration across departments such as paid, organic, and creative teams to deliver integrated services that meet client expectations.
Work closely with strategists to ensure that high-level account strategies are aligned and consistently applied across client interactions.
Reporting and Analysis:
Provide detailed monthly reports to senior management on account performance, escalation incidents, and strategic initiatives.
Analyze client feedback and performance metrics to continually refine strategies and improve outcomes.
What You'll Bring
10+ years of experience in account management, client services, or digital marketing strategy
Team management
Proven track record of directing high-visibility, multi-channel enterprise engagements with substantial media oversight ($25M+ monthly), maintaining full accountability for budget orchestration, performance outcomes, and executive-level strategic communication
Clear ownership of retention, upsell, and revenue outcomes
Experience leading executive-level conversations
Ability to connect marketing performance to business outcomes
Agency or consulting experience working across cross-functional teams
Benefits and Perks We Provide
Remote Workplace. You have the option to work at our office in Boston or remotely in one of these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, SC, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT.
Paid Time Off. Receive generous paid vacation benefits that increase each year you’re with us, 12 Company Holidays, and Summer Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
401K + Match. 401K plan with 4% Safe Harbor employer match after one year of employment and financial literacy services provided through our retirement provider.
Life Insurance Benefit. No-cost coverage to ensure peace of mind for your family.
Short Term Disability Benefit. We've got you covered if you need to be OOO with an illness or injury that keeps you out of work.
Healthcare. Choose from several competitive healthcare plans for you and your family with 80% employer coverage for all medical and dental premiums, 100% employer coverage for vision, and the option to participate in the FSA program.
Commuter Benefits. Allocate pre-tax funds towards your commute to save up to 40% per year in transportation expenses.
Continuing Education. Access to monthly team-led webinars, exclusive 829-cohort based learning, digital course platforms, and funding opportunities to attend national conferences and events.
What We Believe
At 829 Studios, we boldly embrace diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Our goal: a team rich in backgrounds, perspectives, and talents. Why? Because inclusivity powers our brilliance and client success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, mental illness, age, ancestry, genetic information, military service, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Who We Are
829 Studios is a Boston-based integrated digital marketing agency with a mission to propel organizations to unlock their full potential and accomplish their most ambitious goals. We harness the power of logic with magic – a balance of data-driven strategy and brand-focused creative. We partner with diverse organizations across various industries and our client list encompasses venture-backed start-ups, publicly traded companies, non-profits, and more. By committing not only to our growth as a company, but the development of our employees and teams’, we have created a collaborative environment that fosters ingenuity and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging values within our community. 829 has been recognized as one of the nation’s top agencies by the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies, Adweek 100 Fastest-Growing Digital Agencies, Boston Business Journal's Fast 50 (Massachusetts' 50 Fastest-Growing Private Companies), HubSpot's Top Digital Agencies list, and a we are and employee-certified Great Place to Work.
Salary Range: $120,000- $140,000
We determine compensation based on experience, demonstrated skills, and current market conditions at the time of hire to ensure fairness and consistency across roles. Actual compensation will depend on experience and may be adjusted based on skills, qualifications, and alignment with the scope and impact of the role.
Compensation Range: $120K - $140K
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