At GSD&M, we’re on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We’re able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We’re humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that’s what it takes to build and be First & Only.
- DEPARTMENT: Account Leadership
- REPORTS TO: Group Account Director or Managing Director
- TRAVEL: 40–50%
- FLSA STATUS: Exempt
- SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes
- LOCATION: Austin
POSITION FUNCTION
As an Account Director, you own your own business. More than any other position, you embody the entrepreneurial spirit that’s empowered GSD&M’s success from the very beginning. You are the Idea Team commander process champion, momentum owner, conscience of the team and the cultivator of great ideas and talent. Your partnership with the client is crucial in creating the trust that builds momentum for everything that follows. You create an environment that fosters bravery and optimistic problem-solving.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
BE A FEARLESS LEADER.
As a director, you are now leading and not just managing. Foster an environment that promotes risk-taking and bravery. Lead by example. Get to know your team and practice empathy. Set account and individual goals and help everyone succeed. As a leader of the integrated Idea Team, demonstrate cross-channel engagement and expertise. Master the art of managing up (to your supervisor), down (to your team/direct reports) and sideways (to your peers/client team).
CHAMPION INTELLIGENT AND INSPIRING STRATEGY.
Partner in paying the price to solve the real problem: Lead insightful briefs and smart plans and then sell the heck out of them.
FUEL CREATIVITY.
Creative is not a department. Run the wall: Engage in the work and partner with creative directors. Inspire ideas and build on others. Stoke the fires with the client. Talk to them about great ideas outside of their business and set the stage for presentations.
BE A TRUSTED CLIENT PARTNER.
Our primary goal is to build our client’s business. You own the responsibility for the success of the client relationship. Develop a rhythm of client/agency relationship review meetings every three to six months. These should be in person and in writing. This tactic has been proven to uncover simmering issues and protect the life of our relationships with clients and revenue from clients. Track results and lead optimization. Be the gold standard for collaboration and integration. One of GSD&M’s great advantages in the marketplace is our approach to collaboration and integration, and you are the standard-bearer. Help our clients be heroes in their organization. Most importantly, always do what you say you’re going to do. Ensure the agency delivers.
OWN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
The agency’s money is your money. Understand how to build a scope of work and efficient staffing plan. Manage P&L and look for growth opportunities. You are ultimately responsible for the profitability of your account.
REMAIN CURIOUS.
Cultivate an insatiable appetite for understanding. Hone your craft. Seek knowledge of the changing marketplace and emerging opportunities and educate your team. Be a student of our business and your client’s business.
MAXIMIZE TALENT.
Grow your ranks. Train, guide and empower. Foster safe risk-taking. Provide radical, generous, ongoing candor. Be a champion for the agency and seek out new talent. Diversify our teams to ensure we have diverse perspectives and voices within GSD&M. Don’t forget to build your own skill set and seek out opportunities to do so.
BE UNFLAPPABLE.
You set the tone for every conversation. Be the level-headed voice of reason. Demonstrate a commanding presence, but listen. Lead the conversation but incite participation. Organize the chaos and calm the waters.
OWN THE MOMENTUM.
Drive processes and be involved. Inspire action in your team. Nurture ideas until they’re bulletproof and executed. Identify areas of needed change and be able to marshal the resources to effect change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● BA required, MBA a plus; prefer concentration in advertising,
communications or marketing
● 8–10 years’ agency experience (preferred) or related
communication-industry experience that provides an
understanding of advertising, marketing, paid and social media,
creative, production, research, direct marketing, finance, etc.
● Strategic thought leadership
● Strong presentation and writing skills
● Strong listening and interpersonal skills
● Management and team-building skills
● Must be highly organized and detail-oriented in a production-
intensive environment
● Proficient in MS Office Suite or Mac equivalent
At GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower. An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.
We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you’re just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.
GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to [email protected] for support.
This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.
Skills Required
- BA required
- MBA a plus; prefer concentration in advertising, communications or marketing
- 8-10 years' agency experience or related communication-industry experience
- Strategic thought leadership
- Strong presentation and writing skills
- Strong listening and interpersonal skills
- Management and team-building skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented in a production-intensive environment
What We Do
GSD&M is a creatively driven, full-service agency born and raised in Austin, TX. Our strategy? We’re in the business of growing our clients’ businesses and have helped grow some of the world's most successful brands. We’re a full-service advertising agency, but our work goes beyond just making ads. We are a company that uses the power of purpose to drive success with our clients. We partner with our clients to discover, define and articulate their core purpose beyond making money and translate that vision into the marketplace. The return for us? Our work makes a difference for our people, our clients and our communities.
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