At CourtAvenue, an Associate Account Director (which we affectionately refer to as an
Associate Director, Business Innovations)acts as a key client partner, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and optimizing internal team processes. This pivotal role is the bridge between executional management and strategic leadership, focusing on driving day-to-day business success while actively developing the skills needed to tackle complex, high-level business challenges. The AD, BI is an exceptional communicator, highly organized, and committed to building strong, constructive relationships across client and internal teams.
This role sits on a commerce-focused account, partnering closely with a Group Director, BI and a cross-functional team to deliver integrated programs across digital, ecommerce, retail, shopper, and in-store. The ideal candidate is a commerce expert at heart - someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership instinctively, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and believes deeply in the power of being on-site with clients and teams.
ResponsibilitiesWe are focused on creating a best-in-class experience for our clients. The Associate Director, Business Innovations will be responsible for the following:
Client Partnership & Execution Focus:- In this critical role, you are positioned as primary contact for some clients, leading both the strategic and executional part of the work (in partnership with client operations).
>- For larger clients, you'll support the Group Director in high-level strategic and financial conversations with senior-level clients (Sr. Brand Manager, VP/EVP) through co-led (2:1) interface.
>- You will have the opportunity to work across a portfolio of commerce clients and will be able to champion client business needs and objectives within CourtAvenue, ensuring all team outputs align with agreed-upon execution goals.
>- You'll have the opportunity to proactively identify growth opportunities for clients and will be counted on to build meaningful relationships with them while ensuring that our team successfully delivers.
>- Show up in person - walking the halls of the client's office, building relationships across the client organization, and being a visible, trusted presence on the ground.
>
Strategic Development & Financial Acumen (Growth Focus):- Strategy Support: This role is pivotal in building and honing business leadership skills. With the guidance of an account leader, you'll actively develop the ability to operate independently on future strategic clients.
>- Commerce Expertise: Bring a working knowledge of commerce program development - including website UX/UI design, content management, and shopper marketing - and translate that fluency into stronger client conversations and sharper team direction.
>- Financial Learning: Support the Group Director in tracking project financials and business performance, focusing on learning the principles of holistic account financial management and profitability insights.
>- New Business Support: Provide research and organizational support for new business proposals and pitches, without being responsible for owning or running the presentations.
>
Internal Process & Team Organization:- Process Activation & Organization: Act as a key participant in internal workflow - you'll partner closely with Client Operations to support the team in delivering world-class work efficiently and smoothly. Strong collaboration with ops partners is essential to success in this role.
>- Facilitate and organize cross-functional communication and documentation across Strategy, Creative, Media, and Data teams to maintain project alignment.
>- You'll operate as a catalyst for good among the team, bringing detail orientation, enthusiasm and great ideas to the clients and team so we can create our best work together.
>
Requirements- 8+ years of progressive professional experience in digital, creative, media, or business consulting environments.
>- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects requiring alignment across numerous internal and external stakeholders.
>- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
>- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.
>- Self-starter with a solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to navigate challenges and negotiations with professionalism.
>- Comfortable owning your work end-to-end, moving at a fast pace, and operating effectively in ambiguity.
>- A natural relationship builder who values in-person connection with clients, partners, and teams.
>- Proven experience managing commerce programs, ideally including website UX/UI design, content management, and shopper marketing projects.
>
Desired Skills:- Someone who is passionate about business, marketing and helping clients achieve their goals.
>- Self-starter with a positive attitude and the ability to think on your feet.
>- Ability to negotiate in a way that delivers mutually-beneficial results.
>- Ability to navigate conflict and difficult situations with grace that also focuses on a positive outcome.
>
Work Environment:- Candidates for this position will ideally be located near our Minneapolis, Minnesota office.
>- Our organization follows a structured-hybrid work model, where employees work in an office environment in the middle of the week and remotely on Mondays and Fridays.
>- Role will require time spent on-site at the client's office (also located in Minneapolis).
>
$115,000 - $130,000 a year
Final compensation will be determined by total related experience.
