Senior Account Director

Location: New York City or The Bay Area, CaliforniaWork Site Type: HybridBuilding a Brand Starts with a StoryFIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.The Senior Account Director supports FIRST’s vision to be one of the world’s most respected global brand experience agencies. This leadership role drives strategic growth, service excellence, and long-term partnership success across enterprise-level clients.Acting as a senior advisor and trusted partner, the Senior Account Director collaborates with senior stakeholders to understand evolving business goals and translate them into impactful, insight-driven strategies that enhance brand engagement and deliver measurable results.With strong commercial acumen, this individual is accountable for the financial health and sustainable growth of their portfolio, ensuring profitability through strategic foresight, value creation, and a deep understanding of client business dynamics.The ideal candidate is a client-focused, strategic leader who inspires confidence, fosters collaboration, and embodies the FIRST commitment to service excellence, partnership integrity, and forward-thinking brand experiences.Your ContributionsLead the strategic direction, development, and overall success of account(s), working across global teams to drive results and innovative ideasAct as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, fostering trust and ensuring alignment across programs and prioritiesResponsible for developing and executing annual account plans, growth strategies, and client engagement initiativesLead quarterly business reviews and strategic touchpoints to reinforce value and strengthen the client relationship. Develop and support executive-level reporting, data insights, and strategic planning, contributing to business reviews and leadership decision-makingMonitor client satisfaction trends and proactively address issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement and growthOversee contract lifecycle management, including scope changes, contract renewals, SOWs, Work Orders, addendums, and procurement interactionsResponsible for oversight of the scope of work and for the account achieving contract compliance and performance requirements (KPIs, SLAs, reports required); ensuring the account delivers on expectations and remains within the bounds of the contractSupport invoicing workflows, annual budgeting, and monthly reconciliation processes, including scalable services and travel and expenses, in collaboration with Account OperationsIn collaboration with Business Analytics / Commercials, responsible for accurate and timely forecasting of contracted pipeline activityDevelop a thorough understanding of the client’s business, industry and keep abreast of external issues and events that could impact client objectivesLead all new business opportunities within the account(s), from initial discovery through to proposal submission and contractingBuild and manage a pipeline of organic growth opportunities, identifying areas where FIRST can expand services and add strategic valueLead cross-functional teams through the proposal/RFP process, from brief to solution design to final pitch, ensuring quality and alignmentWhat We Are Looking ForPlease be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at First.This role is best suited to a candidate with 10+ years of experience in client services, account management, or program leadership within a global agency, brand experience, or events environmentProven experience managing large-scale, global accounts with complex programs and multiple stakeholdersStrong commercial acumen with a track record of managing budgets, financial reporting, and contract negotiationsStrategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and immediate prioritiesAble to operate both at a high-level and within the details of operations, financials, and reportingResilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented; comfortable with ambiguity and capable of driving results under pressureExperience working with senior-level clients, ideally within the technology or professional services industriesProficiency with CRM and financial tools such as Salesforce and budget trackersStrong ability to interpret data and reporting, synthesize insights, and craft a compelling narrative in collaboration with internal teams.Willingness to travel as requiredAt FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:Medical, Dental & Vision which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)401 (k)Five Flexible Spending Accounts OptionsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Life, Disability & Pet CoveragesWellness StipendComplimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & moreAura Identity Theft ProtectionDiscretionary Bonus StructureGlobal Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $135,000 to $150,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.#LI-HYBRID#LI-JB1FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles. #J-18808-Ljbffr