An advertising account manager oversees all details of an account within an advertising agency or department. Account managers usually work directly with clients to ensure that all account standards are fulfilled and that the clients receives the advertising that they have paid for. Requiring financial, interpersonal, administrative, business, and creative skills, the duties of advertising account managers are as broad and diverse as the ads their agencies create.
Financial responsibilities of advertising account managers include meeting sales goals for the account, achieving account goals, and utilizing network leads to help create revenue. A deep understanding of both client and agency goals and limitations must be gained through vigilant research. Account managers also maintain the client’s budget.
Leadership capabilities and business acumen are another must for the account manager, as management of a team of executives is a vital part of the job description. Advertising account managers must also flex their creative muscle by pitching account propositions to prospective clients. The account manager serves as a conduit between clients and an agency’s creative team. He or she must address concerns for all involved parties while selling the agency’s strengths.
Advertising account manager jobs demand interaction with a wide range of individuals: clients, account executives, and network contacts. Colleagues in creative, financial, and sales departments will serve as frequent team members. Creation and maintenance of professional relationships is one of the most important skill sets an advertising account manager must acquire. Add in administrative and computer skills, and an advertising account manager job description is a true exercise in multitasking.
Advertising account managers usually work in advertising agencies or marketing firms, but a large organization may have a marketing department where employment can be obtained. The size of the employer often determines the extent of advertising account manager duties. In smaller firms, one individual may be responsible for all aspects of an account, ranging from creative development to financial planning and account management. Larger firms can divide these responsibilities among various departments. Frequent travel, long hours, and repeated stress are factors that typically coincide with the occupation, regardless of the employer.
The position of advertising account manager is a promotional step achieved after one has worked as an advertising account executive. A bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or business administration will often help one gain an entry level opportunity in the advertising field. Internships and research projects also help demonstrate a potential employee’s applicable skills.