At Signal, we’re looking for more than a salesperson. We’re looking for a relationship-builder, a strategic thinker, and a trusted partner for our clients. As our next Account Executive, you’ll play a key role in growing our business by connecting with marketing and communications leaders who are looking for a more nimble, responsive, and experienced agency partner. You’ll be backed by an all-senior team known for making clients look like heroes and delivering big-agency outcomes with boutique-agency care. If you’re energized by opening doors, uncovering opportunities, and helping clients navigate complexity with clarity and results, let’s talk.
Essential Functions
- Acquire new Signal clients via personal and/or business network relationships, referrals, lists, inbound marketing efforts, outbound marketing efforts, member organizations, and any other professional outreach necessary. This is to include but not be limited to phone calls (hot, warm, cold), emails, letters, meetings, networking events, etc.
- Interact with prospects and existing clients to promote Signal’s capabilities and solicit new projects, including the preparation of written proposals and estimates.
- Understand the profile of an appropriate Signal client and soliciting and doing business only with such accounts.
- Manage projects daily for the clients for whom he/she chooses to provide account management
- Continually turn over project management for new and/or existing accounts to an Account Manager so the Account Executive can free up at least 50% of his/her time to prospect for new business and maintain the ongoing relationship with all his/her accounts. This includes all accounts he/she turns over to an Account Manager.
- Work with clients daily to ensure the successful completion of client work, or work with project manager(s) (when available) to accomplish the following tasks:
- Follow established processes to create and organize jobs in project management systems
- Communicate creative/design objectives and guidelines to the creative director, art directors and other staff as needed
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date project status in project management systems
- Develop and track project budgets and schedules
- Assist in posting outside services, consulting and freelance services to jobs
- Manage and/or direct the trafficking of all jobs from initial entry through final deliverable. This includes all feedback, changes, and approvals from client
- Ensure all quality control procedures and standards are met
- Maintain and distribute current and accurate legal requirements as appropriate
- Assist with the development and implementation of Signal’s marketing initiatives and brand strategies.
- Coordinate and oversee all outside vendor activities such as press checks, media buys, PR, video production, technology, and marketing services to ensure client expectations are met and exceeded.
- Responsible for daily communications with client(s) and Signal staff. This includes all written and oral communications that covers all aspects of project(s) and business activities. This will include but not be limited to coordinating client meetings as needed, documentation as appropriate, and meeting internally as necessary with Signal staff to ensure smooth project flow.
- Develop a good rapport with clients and assist in maintaining good client relations, including self-analysis and improvement.
- Have/learn basic industry knowledge of rules and regulations relative to the industry of each client as well as an understanding of Signal’s scope of work agreement.
- Invoice jobs and facilitate any billing issues with the Account Executive’s accounts.
- Track and follow up on accounts receivable, including all accounts assigned to an AM.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Self-motivated
- Excellent communications (written and oral)
- Excellent organization
- Excellent attention to details
- Must be able to listen and understand client’s direction
- Ability to counsel clients on traditional and digital marketing and communications
Education/Experience/LIcensing
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing or Communications preferred.
- Minimum 3 years in customer service (account services for advertising agency, public relations, etc.)