Overview
The Account Director at NKPR plays a critical leadership role within the agency, responsible for delivering strategic communications programs for clients across a diverse range of industries. This role is based in the Toronto office and reports directly into the senior team, playing a key part in client success, team development, and agency growth.
Role Expectations
The Account Director is expected to lead a portfolio of accounts with professionalism, strategic oversight, and creative innovation. This includes managing day-to-day client relationships, overseeing campaign development and execution, and ensuring timely delivery within budget. The Account Director also plays a key role in mentoring and developing junior staff, ensuring high standards of work and a positive, collaborative team culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior-level strategic counsel to clients, agency leadership, and team members.
- Lead the development and execution of public relations programs in line with client business objectives.
- Oversee all aspects of account management, including media relations, event planning, strategy development, and budget oversight.
- Ensure account activities are aligned with broader client goals; adjust direction as needed to maintain strong client relationships and satisfaction.
- Maintain oversight of account budgets and expenditures, working with operations and accounting to ensure adherence to internal financial procedures.
- Monitor allocation of team hours per account and collaborate with operations on workload management.
- Facilitate weekly account planning sessions, guiding the team on priorities and strategic direction.
- Stay current with industry trends and proactively incorporate relevant insights into client programming.
- Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to junior team members to drive skill development and creative excellence.
- Contribute to the performance management process, conducting formal reviews and offering continuous feedback.
- Support agency hiring processes and provide input into staffing and structural decisions as needed.
- Actively participate in initiatives to improve internal workflows, operational efficiency, and overall team performance.
- Step in to support tactical execution when necessary, maintaining a hands-on and solutions-oriented approach.
Success Metrics
- Client retention and satisfaction
- Delivery of high-quality, strategic programs on time and within budget
- Growth and development of junior team members
- Contribution to agency culture and process improvement
Qualifications
- 7-8 years of experience working in a public relations agency or relative environment, preferably with experience working with fashion and lifestyle brands
- Post-secondary education in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to create and lead successful PR strategies at both national and local levels
- Strong client service orientation with a track record of managing complex relationships
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with a focus on accuracy and tone
- Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for innovation in the PR space
- Highly organized with strong time and project management skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, hands-on work style
- Adaptability and responsiveness to tight deadlines and changing priorities
Work Environment & Benefits
- Hybrid work model (4 days in-office)
- Competitive salary
- Health and dental benefits package
- Paid personal days
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Open concept, collaborative workspace
- Casual dress code
