Senior Account Director

Group SJR, a WPP company, is the original full-service content consultancy. Today’s leading organizations are grounded in unique skills, knowledge, and perspective but success depends on their ability to tell the world. At SJR we help them do exactly that; by discovering, developing and distributing their inimitable narrative. Anchored in the brand, the narrative provides the through-line that enables us to detail strategy and elevate communications programs. 

Group SJR is the original full-service content consultancy. Today’s leading organizations are grounded in unique skills, knowledge, and perspective but success depends on their ability to tell the world. At SJR we help them do exactly that; by discovering, developing and distributing their inimitable narrative. Anchored in the brand, the narrative provides the through-line that enables us to detail strategy and elevate communications programs. 

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

SJR is a specialist content consulting and communications agency focused on journalistic storytelling. We are boutique in size and backed by WPP, one of the world's largest agency networks. This unique position gives you the benefits of a tight-knit, nimble agency where your work genuinely matters, alongside the career development, continuous learning, and global reach of a major network working with the world’s biggest brands.

As our Toronto team grows, we are looking for a Senior Account Director with deep public relations and strategic communications experience to lead an iconic account while building strong, trusting partnerships with our clients. In this role, you’ll be equal parts trusted client partner, solution-oriented strategist, team leader, communications consultant, and growth driver.

From engaging in forward-thinking planning to mining for organic growth, you will act as a true partner to our clients—guiding them with sharp industry knowledge and solutions tailored to their business, industry, and emerging trends.

The Senior Account Director sets the tone for our success, both inside the agency and with our clients. You know how to leverage your experience to expertly counsel high-profile clients at global brands, collaborate effectively with internal strategy partners, and maximize agency resources to deliver measurable, creatively brilliant work. As an agency champion, you will help innovate our offerings, mentor our team members, and grow our business. Above all, you will model SJR’s values, leading with empathy while delivering exceptional work.

Responsible for the overall health, profitability, growth, and strategic direction of the client business:

• Trusted Advisory: Build powerful, high-trust relationships with senior client partners. Act as a commanding, confident voice in the room who can expertly navigate complex client dynamics and guide strategic decision-making.
• Strategic Planning: Lead and execute all strategic planning activities. Translate client business objectives into high-impact public relations and content strategies, collaborating closely with internal social and creative strategy teams.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Act with foresight to assess client needs, anticipate challenges, and proactively identify creative solutions before issues arise.
• Flawless Operational Oversight: Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure the "engine" of the account runs seamlessly, eliminating the need for rework and fostering continuous improvement.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deeply embed yourself in the client’s industry (QSR experience is an asset), speaking authoritatively to the competitive landscape, trends, audience needs, and brand positioning.
• Campaign Evaluation: Evaluate programs and campaigns systematically to measure ROI and determine the extent to which client objectives were met.
• Financial Stewardship: Adhere to all agency financial requirements, including drafting SOWs/MSAs, maintaining accurate revenue forecasts, managing budgets and vendor reconciliations, and overseeing timely invoicing.

Act as a positive role model and mentor to maximize individual and collective team growth:

• Empathetic Leadership: Demonstrate high emotional intelligence, maturity, and situational awareness, leading the team by example.
• Mentorship: Coach direct reports to strengthen their strategic thinking, tactical execution, and interpersonal client-management skills.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure work is delegated effectively and appropriately based on team members' levels, strengths, and development goals.
• Feedback Culture: Conduct performance reviews and foster a healthy, two-way feedback loop to continuously improve team processes and collaboration.
• WPP Network Collaboration: Build and maintain relationships with internal and external network partners to keep SJR front-of-mind for content and creative briefs.

• New Business: Participate actively in pitch development and presentations for prospective clients as required.

• Experience: 10+ years of agency client services experience, with a heavy focus on PR, strategic communications, and content innovation.
• Relationship Management: Proven track record of managing and growing sophisticated, high-profile client relationships, with the ability to confidently counsel senior stakeholders and handle challenging dynamics with poise.
• Strategic Depth: Strong initiative as a creative, analytical, and highly strategic thinker who can move beyond execution to deliver high-level business consultation.
• Collaborative Mindset: Experience partnering with cross-functional agency teams (e.g., social strategists, creative directors, and editors) to deliver cohesive, multi-channel campaigns.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial discipline with proven experience managing complex account budgets, SOWs, and profitability.
• People Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading, inspiring, and developing high-performing, diverse teams with an adaptable, empowering leadership style.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, with a polished ability to "sell" concepts and strategies.