An advertising research account director is an individual who leads a team of advertisers to help meet the needs of clients. They are important contributors in the development and planning of an advertising campaign. They are expected to work as part of a team and as strong leaders who know how to get their team to produce effective results for their clients. They should have excellent relationship and management skills.
A college degree is required and an MBA is preferred. Field experience is also a requirement for an account director. Those with interest in becoming an account director can start out in an entry level position and learn the ins and outs of the advertising business. Years of experience and a strong portfolio are both important to securing a position as an account director. Career advancement is possible and encouraged. Many advertising agencies or firms will even offer the necessary training to advance. Even when training is not offered within the agency or firm, there are many local colleges, universities or online schools that offer great courses in advertising and journalism.
Although a degree is important, come personalities to better in this field than others. Individuals who are upbeat, highly motivated, and effective communicators will do well in this field. It will be important to take and create analysis to support marketing recommendations. Strategic and marketing leadership should be apparent as you help develop advertising campaigns that benefit and satisfy clients. Maintaining existing client relationships is incredibly important, as is the ability to grow relationships with new clients through trust, credibility and performance.
Effective team management will mean that you will provide team leadership that cultivates a constructive work environment full of marketing professionals who are working toward the same goals. Through managing financial performance you should be able to achieve targets, and maintain or improve profitability.
An account director is a driven individual who is a team player, optimistic, energetic and outgoing. An account director is creative and passionate and leads responsibly and respectfully. The average salary for an account director is $72,000 but years of experience and performance can impact an individual’s salary in the advertising industry.
