Account Director

Account Director, Experiential Marketing (XM)

About the agency:

Based in Toronto, one of Canada's fastest-growing lifestyle and consumer PR agencies. Ranked one of Adweek's fastest growing agencies globally, Strategy Magazine Agency of the Year, and on Canadian Business' Startup List of the country's fastest-growing companies.

The award-winning agency delivers game-changing campaigns across multiple verticals and industries in the areas of media relations, influencer relations, content, events, experiential, paid media, social and digital marketing.

The agency is currently recruiting a dynamic and confident Account Director, XM, who will lead, design, and execute immersive, high-impact brand experiences for clients. This role requires a dynamic, creative, and strategic leader who understands the power of experiential marketing to connect with audiences in meaningful ways, delivering memorable, on-brand moments that are hard-working, drive true engagement, loyalty, and growth while meeting client business goals.

The ideal candidate has extensive agency experience, a keen eye for detail, and a knack for developing ideas and transforming them into breakthrough experiences.

As an Account Director, XM, your role will involve crafting and implementing fully integrated marketing initiatives, showcasing clients' brands across diverse platforms, including event marketing, PR stunts, regional and national events, viral campaigns, and digital executions and much more.

Roles and responsibilities:

● Strategic Leadership

○ Develop and oversee the experiential marketing strategy for clients, ensuring alignment with overall marketing goals and objectives.

○ Lead pitch development for experiential campaigns, crafting presentations that showcase innovative concepts and demonstrate ROI.

○ Define both short-term and long-term strategic goals for the team, aligning resources accordingly.

○ Lead pitch development for experiential programs, crafting decks/presentations that showcase innovative concepts and demonstrate proven ROI.

○ Identify opportunities for revenue growth and margin improvement with existing clients.

○ Supporting agency leadership with proposal development, RFP responses, and pipeline growth.

● Creative Development

○ Develop and contribute creative program ideas that directly meet client briefs

○ Creative thinker with the ability to bring brands to life through unique, immersive experiences. ○ Stay informed of emerging trends in experiential marketing, ensuring the agency remains a leader in innovative and effective brand experiences.

○ Ability to translate creative ideas into production-ready builds.

● Program Management & Execution

○ Lead the ideation, design, and execution of experiential events, including pop-ups, activations, branded experiences, live events, and product launches.

○ Oversee the end-to-end production of experiential programs and fabrication, from concept to execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest quality.

○ Work closely with fabrication and production partners, demonstrating fluency in technical language and build requirements to ensure creative concepts are translated into feasible, high-quality executions.

○ Evaluate technical drawings, renderings, and production specs with a critical eye to ensure accuracy, functionality, and alignment with brand/creative vision.

○ Strong organizational and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail.

○ Oversee and manage program production workback schedules and run of show documents

○ Manage relationships with key vendors, venues, and other external partners to ensure seamless execution of all experiential initiatives.

○ Play a leadership role in-field/onsite, assisting team with activation set up, live execution & tear down

○ Negotiate with vendors to ensure flawless execution and cost-effectiveness.

○ Manage event logistics, including venue arrangements, staffing, and scheduling.

○ Handle crisis situations by identifying issues and devising effective solutions.

○ Develop and manage all experiential program budgets, including tracking costs, and ensure financial targets are met.

○ Responsible for program budget reconciliation with the Director of Finance

○ Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

○ Ensure compliance with permits, licenses, insurance, and safety regulations.

○ Overseeing risk management planning, health & safety protocols, and contingency planning for live events.

● Team Management & Collaboration

○ Directly manage a team of 5 individuals, overseeing their performance and development.

○ Foster a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to think creatively and push boundaries.

○ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (PR, creative, digital, social, production, and account) to build cohesive, integrated campaigns.

○ Lead internal meetings and checkpoints throughout project development and execution.

○ Manage relationships and ongoing collaboration with brand/client IAT

○ A roll-up-your-sleeves, solution-oriented, get-it-done attitude

● Client Relations

○ Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on experiential projects, building strong, trust-based relationships.

○ Present campaign strategies, updates, and performance reports to clients, demonstrating the value and impact of experiential initiatives.

○ Anticipate client needs and proactively suggest new opportunities for experiential engagement. ○ Ability to look ahead beyond day-to-day execution and forecast planning needs, staying ahead of client expectations

○ Lead client interactions and oversee project management, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

○ Develop a deep understanding of the client's business strategy, goals, and brand identity.

○ Work with the VP to ensure client expectations are consistently met, proactively addressing any issues that may arise.

● Measurement & Analytics

○ Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze and optimize experiential campaigns on an ongoing basis.

○ Establish and track key performance metrics, providing guidance to the team and adjusting strategies as needed.

○ Deliver weekly program updates on program progress, staff, and client reporting.

○ Oversee ongoing tracking of resource hours spent on a program against budgeted hours.

○ Collaborate with key account team members to establish relevant business metrics and reporting mechanisms.

○ Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurement frameworks to assess the success of experiential campaigns.

○ Analyze campaign performance to provide clients with actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications:

● Bachelor's (or Master's) Degree in Business, Marketing or related field

● 6+ years of experience in experiential marketing and event production with a strong sense of fabrication and build

● Proven success in senior-level client relationship development, management, retention and growth

● Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail

● Project management experience

● Strong interpersonal skills to work closely with other team members and the clients

● Professional attitude, strategic thinker and strong leadership skills

● Solid understanding of social media tools and digital platforms

● Strong computer application skills (Apple OS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Canva)

● Ability to create and design impactful client program presentations/decks

● Must be available to work flexible work hours, which will include evenings and/or weekends at times.

● Valid G Driver's License in Ontario

● Must be prepared to travel as required based on program and team needs Benefits:

● Salary: competitive and commensurate with experience

● Benefits package

● hybrid (3 days in office downtown TO)

● A flexible, collaborative, positive, and fast-paced work environment