Account Director - Freelance

Title: Account Director - Freelance Location: New York, New York, United States

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Who we are looking for:

VML/Passport Brand Designs is seeking a Freelance Account Director who will be responsible for overseeing the campaign and client engagement and team leadership, across all related processes, disciplines and launches for a major North American B2C/CPG focused client. Omni-channel campaign and marketing expertise (focus on digital and social, with some CRM) is a MUST. The right candidates will act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, internal stakeholders and serve as the “connective tissue” between internal production resources and external connections.  This role will serve as part Client Partner, part Project Manager for this client’s key stakeholders and internal creative and strategy teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in an agile and collaborative work environment. You will have worked on complex delivery projects/campaigns, cpg product launches and be inclusive of all project elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities and regulations within all elements of marketing content and all elements of a launch or update to a brand. You consider yourself a strong and willing teammate — someone who can manage scopes of work, complex technical roll outs and omnichannel workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest trends, with a focus on the B2C CPG sector. You are a consensus builder and a hands on do-er, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do:

• Manage and maintain a solid omnichannel base for the growth of this brand and VML/Passport Brand Designs holistically, from the point of view of best in class omnichannel campaign processes, and the adoption of new delivery methodologies and technologies. You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross-brand projects acting as a point of contact for clients regarding day to day operations and deliverables.
• Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal product, project and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.
• Own and grow the relationship with the counterparts for our clients, across varied internal disciplines, business and technology leaders and you will have an active role within VML/Passport Brand Design, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

Who you are:

• A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
• Open and collaborative: Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns. You must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
• Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a “Yes and why not?” posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
• Ego-less: We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What You’ll Need:

• Ideally 6-10+ years of client leadership, campaign management, project and product launch management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns (digital, CRM, etc.)
• PMP certification is nice to have and successful implementation of Agile a plus
• Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large national and/or global accounts
• Experience in the CPG space, understanding the unique needs therein
• Self-driven with proven experience working with multi-disciplinary teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across North American offices
• Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization and search practices
• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them
• Proficiency in MS Office products
• Availability to travel within the US and to other VML offices as needed is helpful

VML and Passport Brand Designs are WPP agencies. For more information, please visit our website and follow VML on our social channels: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.