Account Director in London

About You

As Account Director, you play an integral role in the agency and have a definitive understanding of the industry we work within. You will be a leader and self-starter with the ability to lead campaigns from the ground up. You welcome a high level of responsibility and lead clients and projects in day-to-day as well as strategic planning. A clear and confident delegator, you are an excellent team player and are invested in the development and nurturing of your junior colleagues.

Your Key Responsibilities include:

• Accounts & Campaigns: Able to advise clients on a suitable press strategy for their specific film, e.g. recommending certain fast-breaking press if a client’s aim is to further the sales effort; who would be the best outlet/journalist for a certain type of piece; which journalists they would recommend from unsold territories. Able to lead on high profile/larger campaigns simultaneously & run them independently, liaising with major clients and the film’s US and international distributors without supervision. Recognise where workload could be more effectively divided both on individual projects and across the UK/LA offices and flag with the team’s director. Confident managing tour activity from afar and if required to travel with the film delegation, acting as the main point of contact throughout. Problem-solve major campaign issues independently and discuss potential solutions directly with the client. Provide sound advice to client based on knowledge and experience of objectives and strategy on an ongoing basis. Navigate and manage clients, understanding their perspectives and requirements. Continue to develop strong client relationships to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
• Festivals: Lead on titles at a festival, taking the lead on client liaison and managing staffing to ensure all logistics and publicity needs are met, while at the same time able to manage ongoing campaign work. Uses spare time effectively to build on existing client relationships. Has experience handling titles at all of the major A-list film festivals Berlin, Cannes, Venice and Toronto, as well as experience at smaller/specialised festivals including TV festivals and markets. Has an understanding of how best to tailor press schedules to a specific film project’s needs. Able to manage client and filmmaker expectations during submission and acceptance at festivals, programming decisions and festival strategy.
• Press & International Distributors Relationships: Able to advise clients on a suitable press strategy for their specific film, e.g. recommending certain fast-breaking press if a client’s aim is to further the sales effort; who would be the best outlet/journalist for a certain type of piece; which journalists they would recommend from unsold territories. Network with journalists regularly.
• New Business & Industry Relationships: Develop a close working relationship with our clients and add value with expert knowledge. Demonstrating in-depth understanding of client context, competitors, and industry. Working with the strengths of the team to find the best solution for any given project. Offer help/guidance to juniors whilst they draft proposals & presentations. Recognise the opportunity to expand on the services we could offer on a project. Oversee new business presentations and proposals. Intuitively ‘grasp’ strategy and ensure that the team eloquently communicate key concepts throughout their work. Recognise when we should question client strategy/ideas and do so in a sensitive & eloquent manner. Contribute as part of wider team in winning new business for DDA. Maintains awareness of potential mergers and acquisitions/industry hot topics and suggests ways to utilise them to DDA’s advantage. Is the main contact for specific/repeat clients and earns responsibility for maintenance of those relationships.
• People: Become invested in growing the experience of members of the team through their work with you. Be approachable and professional at all times and positively contribute to the team environment. Inspire your colleagues to push themselves and lead by example. Champion the importance of teamwork and motivate others around you. Mentor and coach more junior team members, building their knowledge, understanding and expertise. Supervise & help others with their campaigns. Consider and understand the pressures of the team as a whole (not just how your projects affect you). Take initiative and make suggestions about the division of labour and proactively organise meetings with the whole team to ensure the needs of the team are met. Induct newly assigned junior staff in fundamentals of the account. Is self-sufficient.

Requirements & Skills:

• Proven leadership with excellent client relationship skills, preferably within the Film, TV and Entertainment sector.
• Strong relationship building skills, with a focus on relationships with clients, senior management and significant stakeholders.
• Some experience with growing accounts and new business opportunities, with demonstrable examples.
• A passion for learning, and getting under the skin of, client businesses to give them the best possible outcomes.
• Previous experience in mentoring junior members of the team.
• Highly motivated, positive and proactive team player with exceptional influencing and negotiating skills.
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects.
• Possession of expert written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Creative thinking with the ability to bring in new processes and ways of working.
• A team player, willing to share knowledge and discuss approaches and tactics but also able to work independently.
• Wider understanding and passion for the film industry.

To apply, email with your CV and an explanation of why you think you would be a good fit with DDA.