Group Account Director - M&C Saatchi Group

We are currently looking for a Group Account Director to join one of the group’s specialist divisions. World Services partners with governments, civil society, foundations, academia, and the private sector, we work on the critical issues of our time, including national security, social justice and conflict prevention. We provide a fully integrated, end to end service, combining multi-discipline communications teams with subject matter experts, across the world. Our work is domestic and global, often affecting the most vulnerable in society, with international activity orientated towards developing countries, and fragile, conflict affected states.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a working knowledge of, or a Degree in International Relations, Political Science, other related humanities, or social science. Languages are a big plus for us so if you're obsessed with understanding different cultures, with human psychology & behavioural change and never put down your phone/books when it comes to staying up to date on geopolitics please submit your CV.

We have almost 250 colleagues globally based in the US, UK, Singapore, Australia and United Arab Emirates working with clients across all corners of the world. We are deeply proud of our trusted, collaborative, and diverse culture. We also recognise our need to continuously grow and evolve.

This role is based out of our Washington DC office.

Job Responsibilities:

• This Group Account Director role will be working hand in hand with an Executive Director of a partner agency to deliver for the client. Must be comfortable working with a multidisciplinary, cross-agency team. 
• Be accountable for high standards of project delivery, including daily, weekly and monthly reporting. 
• Application of expertise in public affairs and delivery of strategic communications plans. Be driven by illustrating the power of communications across multi-media campaigns. 
• Demonstrate excellent judgement and be able to balance the client’s needs with our creative ambition to ensure we are seen by clients as a true creative partner and brand guardians. 
• Be the driving force behind project progress and effect – looking ahead for growth opportunities and ways to make delivery the best it can be. 
• Anticipate needs of the client and business before they arise – think three steps ahead. Be indispensable to your Senior Client(s). Be seen by the client as an extension of them, who is absolutely trusted as their strategic partner, who has the best interests of their business at heart and brings fresh thinking to deliver impact across their business.

About You:

• 15 years’ demonstrated experience in a commercial communications capacity or in a similar working environment with 5 years of continuous experience at a strategic level. 
• Experience working with government clients. 
• Has demonstrated capability in managing, leading and mentoring teams of diverse talents. 
• Has proven ability in financial management of multiple programs of work. 
• Capable of strategic thinking regarding client requirements. 
• Deep understanding of creative production and dissemination on a national level.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. 
• Excellent oral and written communications skills (English). 
• Proficient in all components of Microsoft Office (Outlook, word-processing, power point and spreadsheets). 
• We are interested in candidates with a working knowledge of, or a degree in Politics, History, International Relations, Marketing, Communications or a related topic.
• Excellent communication skills to enable him/her to engage with senior stakeholders and to understand client requirements. 
• Must be able to legally work in the US. 
• Must be willing to work on site in DC 5 days a week. 
• Flexibility to work outside of contracted hours.

Desirable: 

• Experience working on social and behavior change campaigns.
• Sense of responsibility towards the organization’s reputation. 
• Interested in government, geopolitics and global affairs. 
• Behave as a senior ambassador for the organization.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an upcoming position in our Account Handling team. We are building an active pipeline for when this role goes live. Please submit your CV if you would like to be considered within the next 3 months.

What we offer:

M&CS offers a competitive benefits package including: 25 vacation days, 401k match, annual pay reviews, flexible working, and WFH opportunities. Salary is dependent on experience but ranges from: $145,000 - $165,000. All candidates must have the ability to work in the US; we are unable to sponsor any work visas for this role.

The M&C Saatchi Group UK has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture brought to life through equity with business-wide activity across people, culture, industry, and society. As part of this, M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.

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