Account Director

Account Director

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jefferson Communications

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead client accounts, develop strategies, and manage delivery teams in a dynamic agency.
  • Company: Jefferson Communications, a vibrant corporate communications agency in the heart of London.
  • Benefits: Bonus scheme, leadership role, autonomy, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a small, talented team and make a real impact in the industry.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a growing agency while working with serious clients.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in corporate communications, strong PR background, and team management experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

Jefferson Communications is a City of London corporate communications agency delivering integrated PR and public affairs services across financial services, healthcare, technology, and the built environment. We are looking for an Account Director to join the team as we move into a structured growth phase.

The role

You will take full ownership of a defined client portfolio, running strategy, planning, and delivery end-to-end. You will manage client budgets, lead and develop the delivery team, conduct performance reviews, and ensure every piece of client-facing work meets the highest standard. You will also identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and push thinking forward across the business. This is a genuine leadership hire with real autonomy and a direct working relationship with the founder.

What you will do

  • Take full ownership of a defined client portfolio across PR and public affairs
  • Translate signed contracts into clear strategies with defined timelines and deliverables
  • Lead formal planning sessions with defined roles and responsibilities for the team
  • Manage client budgets, ensuring delivery stays within scope and flagging commercial issues early
  • Maintain senior client relationships and be the face of Jefferson on your accounts
  • Spot and develop organic growth opportunities within existing accounts
  • Manage and develop the delivery team, including conducting performance reviews
  • Review and approve all client-facing work before it goes out
  • Bring forward new ideas and challenge existing approaches to drive the business forward

What we are looking for

  • Minimum 6 years of corporate communications experience, with significant agency-side experience in the London market
  • Demonstrable track record of owning client accounts end-to-end: strategy, planning, and delivery
  • Strong PR background with active, established journalist contacts
  • Experience in public affairs, politics, or government: directly or through client work
  • Proven experience managing and developing a team, including performance reviews
  • Experience managing client budgets and commercial account responsibilities
  • Confident communicator who can lead a team and hold a room
  • Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience

Advantageous

  • In-house experience with a major brand or corporate
  • Experience working across European markets or with EU institutions
  • Familiarity with boutique or independent agency environments
  • Experience contributing to or leading new business pitches

What we offer

  • Bonus scheme linked to company growth and individual new business, available after 12 months
  • A genuine leadership role in a growing, quality-driven agency
  • Direct working relationship with the founder
  • Real autonomy and the opportunity to shape the business
  • City of London office, Monday to Friday (one day WFH per week being introduced)
  • A small, talented team doing serious work for serious clients

How to apply

Please complete our application form and submit your CV at: https://forms.gle/ttX6M99SjkS4ahGv6

Account Director employer: Jefferson Communications

Jefferson Communications is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the City of London. With a focus on employee growth and autonomy, the Account Director role provides a unique opportunity to lead a talented team while directly influencing the agency's strategic direction. The company fosters a collaborative culture, supports professional development, and rewards contributions through a bonus scheme linked to both individual and company success.

Jefferson Communications

Contact Detail:

Jefferson Communications Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Account Director

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in Jefferson Communications and the role of Account Director.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in managing client accounts and leading teams. Highlight specific examples where you’ve driven growth or improved processes. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Jefferson Communications. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Account Director

Client Portfolio Management
Strategic Planning
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Performance Reviews
Public Relations
Journalist Contacts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Account Director. Highlight your experience in corporate communications, especially any agency-side work in London. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've managed teams and client accounts. We love seeing how you’ve driven success and developed others in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the job!

Apply Through Our Website:Remember to complete the application form on our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jefferson Communications

Know Your Client Portfolio

Before the interview, take some time to research Jefferson Communications and their client portfolio. Understand the industries they operate in, such as financial services and healthcare. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can take ownership of a defined client portfolio.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As this role is a genuine leadership hire, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've conducted performance reviews and led planning sessions. Highlight your ability to maintain senior client relationships and be the face of the agency.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be ready to talk about how you translate contracts into clear strategies with defined timelines. Prepare to discuss your approach to identifying organic growth opportunities within existing accounts. This will show that you can push thinking forward and drive the business ahead.

Prepare for Budget Management Questions

Since managing client budgets is a key part of the role, think about your past experiences with budget management. Be ready to explain how you've ensured delivery stays within scope and how you've flagged commercial issues early. This will demonstrate your financial acumen and responsibility.