Account Director

Under the direction of the VP, Account Services, the Account Director will serve as the primary contact for assigned clients regarding the strategic and tactical planning, design, and execution of industry-leading publication and medical communication initiatives. The Account Director consistently provides excellent customer service, as well as represents client needs and goals within the organization to ensure quality. This individual is also responsible for the financial aspects of client relationships, including compliance to contract/agreements, statements of work, purchase orders, invoices, forecasting, and receivables. The Account Director is required to understand client challenges and lead internal and external core teams to conceptualize, design, and deliver novel solutions for our clients’ needs in a manner that is consistent with the values and reputation of Synchrony. Accountabilities include assigned client development, relationships, and satisfaction; overall strategy, development, and execution of assigned Accounts/Client Services activities; and management of account finances.Job DutiesAccount ServicesUnder the direction of the VP, Account Services, lead strategic publication and medical communication planning initiativesEstablish relationships with team members in order to effectively lead and serve as a resource for cross-functional teams in support of client needs and expectations for all Synchrony clientsMonitor and manage assigned activities to ensure timely delivery of products and servicesDevelop, present, and sell high-quality deliverablesMake recommendations to senior management to ensure that Synchrony core teams have appropriate resources and support to meet the needs of our clients and our commitmentsWork with other team members to ensure that Synchrony is meeting its goals, objectives, and corporate valuesBusiness DevelopmentAssist in business development opportunities and initiatives necessary to increase revenue to meet and exceed company goalsActively seek new business opportunities within current and new clientsAssist in the implementation of corporate strategies and cross-selling initiativesLead teams and resources to create and submit RFPs and proposals (proposal writing is required); participate in developing and delivering presentations for new business opportunitiesDevelop client(s) scope of service or project agreementsAccounts Financial ManagementManage the financial aspects of client relationships including compliance to contract/master service agreement(s), project proposals (statements of work, project initiation forms, project agreements, etc), purchase orders, invoices, forecasting, receivables, and reportingAs client liaison, develop project proposals based on input from internal teams (with account leadership) including (but not limited to):Budgets (e.g., invoicing schedule in alignment with client master service agreement)Scope of service (e.g., including assumptions, deliverables, timeline)Serve as the primary contact with finance department for quarterly and yearly project and client portfolio tracking, forecasting, and reconciliation of assigned activitiesUse project-tracking software to set up and manage projects internally, enter project budgets, trigger invoices, track project expenses, and work with team members to track project hoursPrepare project reconciliationsTrigger invoices for submission to the clientEnsure that all invoices and reconciliations are accurate and occurring at the appropriate project milestones and in a timely mannerReview profit/loss reports (budget versus actual report from finance system, final reconciliations) with project managers and other members of team to determine potential for cost-savings; work with appropriate personnel to address cost concernsReview project detail reports with project managers weekly (or as needed) to identify incorrectly recorded, and/or potentially out-of-scope project hours; address or communicate as appropriateWork with team to identify, analyze, and proactively communicate timeline and budget risksRecognize and evaluate requests for out-of-scope work and alert client in timely manner, work with team to estimate additional budget needed to complete out-of-scope work, and create and process amendments to project proposal for client when necessaryInternal and External RelationshipsAttend and lead aspects of weekly client status, internal team status, new project kick-off, and post-conference debriefing meetingsReview all major deliverables (i.e., project briefs, drafts, status reports, etc.) to ensure quality standards and client expectations are metFoster and develop collaboration between departments, internal groups, and individuals to ensure innovative and collaborative solutions to client needsRepresent the organization in a professional and appropriate manner in all forms of communication (speaking, writing, appearance) whether in person or virtuallyFacilitate communication between team members and clients necessary to maintain strong relationships and effective account management via various methods (email, IM, phone, face-to-face)Be a positive force for enhancing the work culture, consensus-building, and internal communicationsResolve conflict and celebrate success; set clear team priorities; explain client/brand objectives and strategies; define success in terms of the whole teamKeep senior management apprised of critical client concerns and opportunities; provide brand review meeting contentKeep senior management apprised of critical internal Synchrony issues, concerns, and opportunitiesAttend client meetings and congresses, and communicate key learnings to team and clientActively participate in client presentations, selling and communicating the agency's point of viewMonitor industry and therapeutic area best practices and advances to ensure that Synchrony and our clients are at the cutting edge or leading the fieldSupport the agency activities of senior management, as neededKey CompetenciesEffective interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on account services, strategic medical/publications, and businesses processesAbility to manage outcomes to win-win resolutionHigh level of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and accountabilityA well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, maturity, and people management skillsAbility to present ideas and supporting rationale to internal and external teams in an effective mannerDemonstrated ability to manage key constituent relationshipsAble to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome challenges or obstacles towards a positive resolution; demonstrated ability to apply learningAbility to oversee, manage, and support priorities and workflow to ensure high-quality project execution according to project timelines and budgetsEffective attention to detail, strong writing skills with a solid handle on proper grammar and punctuation, and a high degree of accuracySound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skillsStrong communication skills both verbally and in writingStrong presentation and persuasion skills: Can develop a clear point of view and tell a meaningful “story”; is effective in a variety of settings and group sizes with clients, peers, subordinates, and management; confidently expresses both data/facts, plus more controversial topics; commands attention and can manage group dynamicsDemonstrated knowledge of Good Publications PracticesProven ability to conduct internet research specifically around clinical trials/investigators/investigative agents and pharmaceutical companies/biotechsSkilled at Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPoint