What is an Account Executive?
An Account Executive serves as the client’s voice when developing and executing advertising campaigns. They help ensure the efforts of various team members (graphic designers, web designers, creative directors, project managers, SEO specialists, copywriters, etc.) and components (print, web, broadcast, social, etc.) align with the client's goals. They are responsible for developing new client relationships and maintaining existing ones.
Regardless of the environment, an Account Executive’s primary role is to act as a liaison between the agency and its clients. They meet client demands and expectations while ensuring their internal teams are prepared to execute accordingly. If up for the challenge, an Account Executive career can be lucrative and rewarding, with ample opportunities to travel and meet new people.
In addition, as part of an agency, Account Executives can take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the marketing and creative functions. They can even tap into their co-workers’ skills and experiences to expand their own capabilities.
Education Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in business administration, communications, marketing or a related field
- Master’s degree in business or marketing for career advancement
Account Executive Essential Skills
- Communication Skills
- High Empathy
- Organization
- Problem Solving
- Negotiation
- Determination
- Goal-oriented
- Presentation Skills
Account Executive Roles & Responsibilities
- Work directly with clients to learn their goals and establish how the company can meet them
- Find leads
- Close sales
- Support existing clients
- Formulate sales strategies
- Communicate product value to clients
Day-to-Day Duties
- Regularly meet quotas, goals and other forms of client expectations
- Help clients understand the limits of their budget or resources
- Consistently meet project deadlines
- Meet with other executive to discuss a clients’ project goals, progress and outcomes
- Develop budgets and timelines for clients
- Coordinate teams to meet project milestones
- Assemble new teams to meet clients’ or businesses’ goals