Client Services, Account Director

DAC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous PTO

Retirement saving plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

DAC in Chicago is looking for an experienced Account Director to lead key accounts in the digital media landscape. You will manage client relationships, oversee campaign strategies, and collaborate with diverse teams to drive business growth.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years in client services, with a strong background in managing multi-channel marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 clients. This role requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of data-driven marketing strategies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in client services, managing clients and account growth.
• 3+ years in an advertising agency leading multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Experience managing programs for Fortune 500 clients.

Responsibilities

• Foster client relationships and manage day-to-day inquiries.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver campaigns.
• Develop annual account plans for revenue growth.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Marketing campaign leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel)

Job description

Who We Are

We are DAC—a global full-funnel performance media agency dedicated to delivering transformative results. With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we combine the brightest minds with innovative technology to deliver seamless, forward-thinking strategies. Powered by AI, data, and creative ingenuity, we deliver integrated campaigns that engage customers at every touchpoint—from global audiences to individual store locations.

Position Summary

This role is for a strategic, client-focused Account Director to lead key accounts within the digital media landscape, including paid media, SEO, content marketing strategy, social media, analytics, web and application development. This role will be responsible for fostering client relationships, overseeing the creation and implementation of key strategies and campaigns, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver strong business growth. You will serve as the bridge between client and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication, creative thinking and presentation building, measurable program success, and relationship and program growth, internally and externally with clients.

What You’ll Do

Client Satisfaction and Retention

• Develop a strong relationship with key client partners within the portfolio in order to manage day-to-day program-related inquiries and deliverables
• Create client org charts and map the departments and key relationships to mine
• Develop a firm understanding of the client’s industry, marketing strategy and goals
• Look for opportunities (innovation and optimization) to grow existing client relationships and scope

Team Development

• Provide senior account direction and people leadership to our high-performance team of Account Managers and Executives.
• Successfully organize internal teams (media, SEO, creative, content, social, development, and analytics) to collaborate effectively together to deliver results

Portfolio/Program Management

• Develop and execute annual account plans for all client accounts within the portfolio that meet revenue growth and profit margin
• Manage internal aspects of project implementation including preparation of client briefs and proposals, budget management, tracking client data, QA validation, and reporting of internal and external client activities and communications
• Ensure accounts are executed effectively to meet established KPIs and revenue targets
• Deliver effective and efficient documentation, communication and dissemination of information regarding client activities and client administrative procedures.
• Work with clients to complete a specific project brief and coordinate client approvals.
• Create status reports, project timelines, and budget management documents in accordance with DAC’s standards for quality and accuracy
• Develop and manage contracts through to signature

Business Growth and Revenue

• Ongoing ownership of client financial health including revenue delivery, growth, and profitability
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of DAC’s product offerings, including media, SEO, content, local, web development, and analytics
• Remain knowledgeable about ongoing program activities
• Serve as a thought leader internally and externally through knowledge-sharing, blog and whitepaper development, and industry event participation
• Support new business initiatives including client pitches, RFP responses, and marketing events

What You Bring

• 7+ years’ experience in a client services position, managing clients and responsible for account growth
• 4+ years’ experience leading an account team, a portfolio of clients, and related budgets
• 3+ years working for an advertising agency, with proven ability to lead multi-channel marketing campaigns including paid search, display, CTV/OLV, paid social, SEO, content, local and more
• Strong understanding of brand and performance marketing, data-driven decision making, and industry trends
• Experience managing programs for Fortune 500 companies or similarly sized media budgets
• Project Management experience
• Strong writing, communication, organization, and presentation skills
• Experience presenting and selling to high-level decision-makers at enterprise brands with a national scope
• Experience developing strategic plans with clients
• Strong proficiency in MS Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience managing internal project operations, including but not limited to scope writing, hours forecasting and management, and budget oversight
• Skill set in building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Experience in growing program revenue and profitability
• Experience in leading and developing internal talent

What You’ll Get

• Professional Growth: Work with top-tier clients and cutting-edge tools in the performance marketing industry.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a global organization that values curiosity, transparency, and innovation.
• Competitive Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Generous PTO, wellness initiatives and parental leave.
  • Retirement saving plans.
  • Opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
  • A supportive, collaborative, and casual work environment.

How We Work

This role requires three days in-office. Remote work is not available for this position.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group. DAC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, state, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to [e-mail]

At DAC we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, vision, dental, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and employee assistance support. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in the DAC benefit programs.

Salary at DAC is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $130,000 to $150,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of DAC’s total compensation package for employees.