Client Executive / Partner

G&A Strategy and Design; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

G&A Strategy and Design is seeking a Client Executive/Partner to lead strategic client relationships and drive year-over-year growth across a portfolio of initiatives.

As a trusted advisor to executive leaders, you will shape engagement strategies, oversee multi-project programs, and collaborate with Creative and Production teams to maximize value and ensure project profitability. The role requires 10+ years in the industry, strong leadership, and willingness to travel bi-weekly to client sites.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of different organizational and business models used by cultural institutions.
• Minimum 10 years experience in industry with demonstrated growth, including 3+ years as account manager or client partner.
• Ability to take a consultative approach and influence stakeholders at executive levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic relationships with client EDs/CXOs to drive growth and portfolio value.
• Shape proposals and negotiate agreements focused on mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Own growth plans and ensure project profitability across a multi-project portfolio.
• Partner with Creative Director and Producer to align budgets with guest experience goals and ROI.
• Mentor team members and contribute to leadership strategies across the organization.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client relationship development

Account management

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Key Responsibility Areas

The Client Executive/Partner is a strategic leader who forms one leg of G&A's "three-legged stool" project leadership model, alongside the Creative Director and Producer roles. While each role maintains distinct responsibilities, their combined strengths create a balanced foundation for project success. The Client Executive's primary focus is on driving and leading client relationships to ensure profitable year-over-year growth, acting as the "ultimate" trusted advisor to clients by developing and nurturing relationships with their Executive Director and C-level executives while orchestrating G&A's portfolio of capabilities to deliver transformative business value.

The CE is primarily responsible for:

Client Relationship Development

Fostering deeper relationships with client EDs/CXOs through strategic project planning, thought leadership activities, account references, and other opportunities (cultural attraction industry expertise, operational and capital investment support, understanding the client's business, PR/Media) Developing a relationship map, 3-5 year vision and strategy, and managing tactical executions to sell the full G&A portfolio across all projects/phases

• Driving and leading stewardship in 3-6 client accounts (typically generating combined annual revenues up to $5M), acting as their G&A leader and ensuring profitable YOY Growth
• Owning the client's growth plan (currently nascent — plans in place for key clients by Q3) and 360-degree relationship with each client to deliver measured growth, project profitability, project success, and overall client satisfaction
• Shaping proposals and negotiating agreements focused on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes

Business Development & Growth

• Own organic growth (existing clients) targets and ensure contractual arrangements meet defined commercial goals (sold-as margin, or SAM, primarily)
• Cross-sell the family of G&A products and services (e.g., media, strategy and consulting, program management, operations)
• Maintain thorough understanding of G&A's Go-To-Market offerings, brand building, and industry trends that may lead to new business opportunities Advocate for clients internally and ensure opportunities are accurately reflected in G&A's CRM pipeline (HubSpot)
• Drive commercial contributions towards company growth and portfolio profitability, with direct impact on the portfolio of projects the CE is accountable for.
• Build and nurture relationships with prospective clients (such as Board Members) and G&A's business development team to identify new opportunities

Delivery Excellence & Team Collaboration

• Partner with Creative Director and Producer to align project budget with guest experience goals for maximum ROI and mission impact
• Set project quality and performance standards; assess and manage risk across multiple projects in close partnership with Producers
• Collaborate with CD and Producer to manage Internal stakeholders and build dedicated project teams of experts matched to client priorities
• Act as project intermediary between G&A team and client, providing buffer for the design team while advocating for creative work
• Collaborate with CD and Producer to ensure delivery expectations and satisfaction are met— by orchestrating relevant stakeholders
• Support Producers in analyzing key program issues/risks, developing solutions and assessing business impact
• Ensure appropriate resources are allocated to handle emergent issues

Team & Capability Development

• Contribute to G&A leadership team (LT) and executive leadership team (ELT) strategies, best practices, case studies, and education when invited to join the dialogue.
• Drive succession planning for key client-facing roles
• Mentor team members and create mutual respect between all capabilities Collaborate with staffing on strategic resource allocation
• Enhance brand through driving award submissions and thought leadership initiatives

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Deep understanding of different organizational and business models used byCultural Institutions, including revenue sources and operating strategies Strong partnership mindset and proven ability to align with Executive Director and senior client executives as a Strategic Trusted Advisor
• Thorough understanding of the best practices and approaches to the execution of the development and capital investment of major projects.
• Ability to take consultative approach and drive change through collaborative influence (internally with clients and with other partners)
• Minimum 10 years experience in industry and professional services with demonstrated success and growth...Must include 3+ years as account manager or client partner
• Experience managing large accounts of $5-$10M+ annually
• Flexible and mobile, able to work in hybrid WFH, office, and travel environment (expected bi-weekly travel)
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to navigate large organizations and drive change through collaborative influence
• Strong 'global' leadership capability to manage diverse teams across multiple project types
• Flexible and mobile, able to work in hybrid WFH, office, and travel environment

Additional Information

• Expected bi-weekly travel to client sites

*G&A is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees. We strive to build diverse, inclusive teams committed to excellence and innovation.*