Edelman Toronto is looking for an Account Director to join their Public Affairs practice, and play a major role in overseeing the work stream for comprehensive public affairs and government relations campaigns. You will be responsible for the leadership and overall direction of an account team as it relates to client service, staffing, training, organizational development, and quality control. You will be able to demonstrate the value of these offerings to clients, and lead all aspects of their planning and execution while also leading and /or contributing to the winning of new client business including government relations and advocacy, citizen mobilization, alliance development, campaign strategy and management as well as strategic counsel for clients.
Responsibilities:
Client Service
Serve as the primary or senior contact for clients
Create research-driven, creative public affairs programs that meet or exceed client objectives
Develop and oversee account teams’ performance, ensuring quality work is done, efficient processes are in place, and client requests are handled in a timely fashion
Use capabilities and resources across Edelman to meet client goals and budgets
Formulate thoughtful points of view and recommendations based on client landscape
Take immediate action upon client feedback and help solve client problems
Display understanding of Edelman consulting processes including public engagement, messaging workshops, master narrative assignments and stakeholder mapping exercises; lead aspects of these assignments
Demonstrate advanced writing skills
Demonstrate practical and advanced understanding of the operations of government and the political process
Use qualitative and quantitative research to develop and evaluate client programs
People Engagement
Ensure performance expectations, career development plan and S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measureable, achievable, realistic and time-based) goals are set and reviewed annually during the formal performance review process for all direct reports
Provide ongoing, constructive feedback to staff, consistently hold them accountable, and address under-performance in a timely manner
Mentor, coach and support all team members, and ensure you and your staff are constantly developing abilities through on-the-job training and Edelman University
Help attract new talent and work to build a team with diverse views and backgrounds
Develop staff to become capable of assuming more senior roles
Set achievable goals and tasks, delegate opportunities and provide resources for direct reports to meet their goals; consistently measure and recognize goal achievement
Oversee quality control of teams’ assignments including writing, pitching, proposals, and reporting
Encourage teams to participate in and talk about company-wide initiatives
Business Development
Establish achievable revenue growth targets annually
Seek out, coordinate and facilitate cross-practice and cross-geographical teams to provide clients and prospects with the most compelling work
Cultivate business growth opportunities among existing and prospective clients
Introduce existing clients to relevant Edelman capabilities, including resources outside of your own group, to advance clients’ business goals
Demonstrate Edelman’s expertise by contributing articles to digital and traditional publications, participating in organizations or engaging in speaking opportunities and by supporting Edelman’s marketing initiatives and intellectual property
Lead and contribute to new business proposals
Financial Planning and Management
Understand core financial constructs including revenue, profitability, pricing structures (hourly vs. retainer accounts), utilization, realization, budgeting and forecasting
Negotiate client and vendor contracts and manage client budgeting and authorization process prior to beginning work
Develop and manage accurate client project budgets using the firm’s financial system
Leadership
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Edelman’s values and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and require direct reports to do the same
Lead by example; demonstrate strong work ethic, creative abilities and industry expertise
Communicate and inspire colleagues and staff through vision, goals and strategy for client teams and guide them to produce creative and effective outcomes
Set and pursue challenging stretch goals for you and your staff
Advocate and employ cross-practice/office/geography convergence approach to staffing projects
Create a climate that encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with the law
Live “in color” – and encourage staff to do so – by exploring and being active in the world outside of work, including the arts, culture, politics, literature, charitable organizations and/or other personal passions
Product Capability and Development
Participate in the development and adoption of new products, services, intellectual property and thought leadership materials related to your areas of expertise
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends and demonstrate expert understanding of how they integrate into communications programs
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Business, Public Service Administration Journalism, Communications, Marketing or relevant field required
Bachelor’s supplemented by a graduate / advanced degree preferred.
5+ years of experience with a focus on public affairs and government relations
Experience leading public affairs programs targeting office holders and policy makers
Experience developing relationships with third party organizations, and to attend external meetings and events representing the agency and client
Understand core financial constructs including revenue, profitability, pricing structures (hourly vs. retainer accounts), utilization, realization, budgeting and forecasting
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Edelman values (relentless pursuit of excellence, constantly curious and courage to do the right thing)
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