Role: Account Director (Contract – Maternity Leave Cover)

Reports: Group Account Director

Location: Toronto (Hybrid)

Role Overview

As an Account Director (Contract) , you will provide both strategic leadership and day-to-day tactical support across large-scale client engagements. You’ll be responsible for identifying client needs, leading campaign execution, collaborating with internal creative and media teams, and delivering effective, measurable solutions. You are experienced in managing complex projects, building strong client relationships, and driving growth in fast-paced agency environments.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Strategic Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior clients, understanding their needs and delivering innovative, results-driven solutions
• Lead integrated campaign planning and execution, ensuring alignment across media, creative, and strategy teams
• Anticipate client needs and proactively provide solutions; serve as a reliable, strategic partner
• Set and manage client expectations, ensuring satisfaction and long-term retention
• Provide expert counsel and leadership across all account matters, with a focus on strategic problem solving

Project Management & Execution

• Lead the execution of marketing campaigns across traditional (TV, radio, OOH), digital, and social channels
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring flawless execution
• Oversee the development and delivery of key client documentation: workback schedules, status reports, invoicing, contact reports, and presentations

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage and mentor 1–2 team members; support their growth and development
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and a positive team culture
• Represent the agency’s vision, values, and creative standards within your team

Financial & Business Management

• Drive organic business growth and identify new opportunities within existing accounts
• Oversee multi-million dollar engagements with multiple stakeholders
• Ensure revenue targets, profitability, and account performance goals are met

Creative & Strategic Collaboration

• Partner with strategy and creative leads to ensure the delivery of exceptional creative work
• Champion creative excellence and innovation; inspire clients and teams to strive for best-in-class output
• Lead problem identification and strategic solution development for client challenges

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with EM’s Group Account Directors to ensure high-quality output across the agency
• Contribute to agency culture and leadership team discussions
• Ensure effective cross-functional integration and communication

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in an agency environment (traditional and digital media)
• Proven track record managing large accounts and multi-channel campaigns
• Experience working with clients in the financial sector (asset)
• Skilled in managing long-term, high-budget engagements with multiple stakeholders
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and executional skills
• High-level understanding of insights, strategy, and creative development
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage and grow client relationships
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and budget/time management
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset; thrives in entrepreneurial settings

What We’re Looking For

• A confident leader who inspires trust and respect
• A creative problem solver with a strategic mindset
• Someone who builds team morale and drives results
• Passionate about multicultural marketing (huge asset)
• Able to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution
• Proactive, with strong initiative and a can-do attitude