Director, Client Strategy

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionThe Director, Client Strategy will deliver exceptional client results by providing sound, innovative, strategic leadership to a portfolio of accounts through a rigorous discipline of account planning, strategy development, and relationship development. This role requires comprehensive direct response knowledge including direct mail and/or digital strategy, blending of analytical and leadership skills, with an emphasis on leading and executing fundraising campaigns. While most of the Director’s time will be spent in strategy development for the assigned portfolio of accounts, project management may be part of the role based on portfolio needs. Strength in relationship-building and interpersonal skills are a must. The ability to thrive in a high-velocity environment is essential to success in this role.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Partnership:

• Cultivates indispensable partnership between AGP and client through delivery of sound strategies leading to strong results and an agency-client relationship built on trust and transparency
• Develops comprehensive client communication plans and budgets informed by program analysis and client goals
• Serves as lead client contact for all communication related to program strategy and results
• Leads regular strategy meetings and program planning meetings
• Develops program analysis & planning meeting presentations in conjunction with analytics team
• Balances the needs of the client with proven best practices and innovation to advance sound strategy and deliver strong results
• Presents AGP work through skillful, accurate, and succinct written and verbal communication
• Translates program results and trends into strategic application
• Confidently presents ideas and data insights to day-to-day client contact and senior client leadership
• Actively listens with the ability to identify client needs and respond accordingly and understand organizational mission and goals

Strategy:

• Leads and facilitates strategic planning, internal communication, and ensures all cross-functional team members understand project parameters and scope of work
• Develops quality, innovative, and creative ideas with the support of the account team and senior leadership
• Creates and organizes key project documentation including strategy context documents and data request forms with associated segmentation
• Reviews copy and design creative with eye on fundraising best practices and client voice and brand
• Leverages passion for and knowledge of the industry to enhance Client’s program
• Leads highly productive meetings internally and with the Client

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Closely monitors budget estimate and billing
• Meets with Finance monthly to reconcile project summaries and provides Client billing and closing direction
• Identifies opportunities to expand existing budget and reallocate unused budget dollars to new priorities

Personal Leadership and Development:

• Consistently demonstrates integrity, common sense, and professional maturity
• Seeks opportunities to test, learn, and grow to produce better results that drive expanded business with existing clients
• Embraces a culture of continuous learning
• Comfortable with change and can adapt as needed
• Displays a positive attitude and adaptability in stressful situations
• Actively works to develop professional skills by seeking out training and other development activities

Team Development:

• Ability to foster collaboration and accountability across team members to mitigate challenges and ensure project success
• Serves as a team leader on key projects and celebrates team wins
• Provides clear direction/constructive feedback to team members
• Helps mentor junior Client Experience team members to assist in developing skills, including strategic instincts and client relationship development

Project Management:
Based on portfolio and/or team needs, the Director may be responsible for the following project management tasks:

• Plans and manages Client communication plan and workflow throughout the agency from project initiation to project completion and billing
• Sets clear timelines and expectations to help hold cross-functional teams accountable
• Schedules and facilitates meetings with agency team members and the client to support project execution
• Manages resourcing of internal delivery teams
• Develops and organizes all project documentation including roadmaps and copy documents
• Keeps team members informed of project developments and addresses issues via regular status meetings and published status reports
• Proactively identifies and formulates solutions to potential project challenges
• Reviews production worksheets and print setups
• Reviews digital link proofs and test emails

QualificationsEducation & Experience:

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in client strategy, account management, fundraising, or related agency/client services roles
• Demonstrated success leading direct response fundraising programs, primarily direct mail and/or digital
• Proven experience serving as the primary strategic and relationship lead for a portfolio of clients
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations strongly preferred
• Agency experience required
• Demonstrated accountability for budgets, forecasting, and financial stewardship at the program or portfolio level

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge

• Nonprofit fundraising strategy and direct response marketing best practices
• Multi-channel campaign planning and execution
• Data-informed strategy development and performance analysis
• Agency workflow, project management, and financial processes

Skills

• Strategic planning and application of insights to drive results
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication with clients and internal teams
• Client relationship management and stakeholder influence
• Project and workflow management across multiple concurrent initiatives
• Financial management, budgeting, and prioritization
• Coaching and feedback delivery

Abilities

• Lead complex client engagements independently
• Balance strategy, execution, timelines, and budget constraints
• Collaborate and influence across disciplines without direct authority
• Adapt quickly in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment
• Anticipate risks and proactively resolve issues

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AGP we strive to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. If you think this role sounds like you, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification or skill in the description, please apply! You could be just the person we are looking for to fill this, or other, roles!
Benefits, Rewards & PerksWe are friendly, smart, curious and passionate about what we do! Working here, you will also enjoy:

• Competitive salaries + quarterly recognition program
• Work-life balance + 100% remote workforce
• Excellent benefits including Health, Dental, and Vision plans, Disability and Company Paid Life Insurance!
• Flexible PTO Policy + Paid Parental Leave
• 401k and company match
• Oh, and don’t forget - You're working with clients who are making a positive difference in the world.