[Remote] Strategic Account Director, Media Buying

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. 829 Studios is a Boston-based integrated digital marketing agency focused on helping organizations achieve their goals. They are seeking a Strategic Account Director to manage high-value enterprise clients, ensuring retention and growth through strategic media buying and relationship management.ResponsibilitiesServe as the senior strategic lead and executive point of contact for one to two high-value enterprise clientsBuild and sustain trusted partnerships with C-suite, VP-level, and senior marketing leadership at the client organizationLead executive-level conversations including QBRs, annual planning, business reviews, strategic planning sessions, and renewal discussionsAct as the primary escalation point for complex client, operational, or strategic concernsConnect media performance — across CTV, OLV, display, native, audio, and emerging channels — to client business objectives, marketing organization priorities, and broader commercial outcomesMaintain a high standard of executive communication, professionalism, and relationship management across all client interactionsDevelop and lead long-term account strategy across the full programmatic stack, in close partnership with the assigned media strategist, media buyers, operating leadership, and analyst(s)Translate performance insights and analytics into actionable, executive-ready recommendationsAnticipate organizational shifts, market changes, and competitive pressures that may impact client priorities or partnership healthGuide clients through annual and quarterly planning cycles, budget reallocations, and channel expansion conversations (e.g., CTV scale-up, retail media, audio, DOOH)Ensure agency recommendations align with enterprise client realities — approval structures, brand safety standards, measurement frameworks, and procurement timelinesStay fluent in the broader programmatic landscape — DSP changes, supply-path optimization, privacy regulation, attention metrics, AI-driven optimization — and translate the implications into client strategyOwn retention, NRR, and account satisfaction across the assigned portfolioIdentify and convert strategic growth opportunities tied to client business needs, performance trends, and evolving media prioritiesLead scope expansion conversations — additional channels, increased budgets, adjacent service lines — in partnership with practice leadershipOwn renewal strategy and forecasting; partner with agency leadership on commercial planning, pricing, and structural agreement evolutionCo-own the client’s staffing and resource budget — making intentional, accountable decisions about how dedicated and shared resources are deployed in service of client outcomes and engagement profitabilityMaintain visibility into engagement profitability, resource allocation, and delivery quality across the accountOperate as a player/coach on the account — leading the relationship and the strategy while remaining directly involved in the workHold accountability for delivery quality, on-time execution, and integrated work product across media strategy, buying, creative, and analyticsOwn day-to-day meetings and client communication, in conjunction with project management and media strategistsSet the cadence, the standards, and the priorities for the integrated team supporting the account; create the conditions for a focused, distraction-free teamScale the engagement model thoughtfully as the book of business grows — bringing on additional dedicated resources as account complexity warrants, never ahead of needEscalate and resolve operational risks, delivery challenges, and stakeholder concerns proactivelyHelp establish scalable best practices for senior-led, performance-accountable account leadership as the practice grows1 - 2 enterprise client relationshipsCo-ownership of the client staffing and resource budget with Media Buying President and LeadershipFull accountability for retention, NRR, account health, and expansion contributionDirect executive reporting line into client C-suite and senior marketing leadershipRetention & Net Revenue Retention (Primary)100% gross logo retention across the assigned portfolio at the 12-month mark115%+ Net Revenue Retention across the book of business in the first full yearAll assigned accounts have completed renewal or extension at or above original contract valueNo material churn risk indicators on any active engagement at the 12-month mark, validated through documented account health reviewsDocumented expansion roadmap for each account with quantified opportunity sizing and a clear path to year-two NRR targetsActive, codified relationship with at least two senior stakeholders per account (CMO/VP plus a secondary executive sponsor)QBR cadence established and consistently delivered at or ahead of client expectationStrategic plan presented and adopted by client leadership within the first 90 days of account ownershipEngagement profitability and resource budget managed within target ranges; staffing decisions demonstrably tied to client outcomesSkills10+ years of experience in agency client services, account leadership, or strategic account management with a focus on performance media or programmatic buyingDemonstrated history of owning enterprise client relationships at significant scale, with clear ownership of retention, expansion, and revenue outcomesDirect experience leading clients through programmatic media strategy — CTV, OLV, display, native, audio — at the executive levelWorking fluency (not necessarily hands-on execution) in major DSPs (The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Xandr, or similar), supply-path optimization, attribution and incrementality frameworks, and brand safety standardsProven track record of driving NRR and expansion within named enterprise accountsComfort operating as a player/coach — willing to lead the relationship and stay close to the work, with the maturity to scale that posture as a team grows around themExperience navigating complex client organizations — multi-stakeholder structures, procurement cycles, brand and category gates, longer planning horizonsExceptional executive communication, presentation, and storytelling skills; comfort presenting to C-suiteExperience leading integrated teams without direct authority — strategists, creative, analytics, project managementComfort in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; agency or consulting background strongly preferredBenefitsRemote Workplace. You have the option to work at our office in Boston or remotely in one of these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, SC, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA.Paid Time Off. Receive generous paid vacation benefits that increase each year you’re with us, 14 Company Holidays, and Summer Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.401K + Match. 401K plan with 4% Safe Harbor employer match after one year of employment and financial literacy services provided through our retirement provider.Life Insurance Benefit. No-cost coverage to ensure peace of mind for your family.Short Term Disability Benefit. We've got you covered if you need to be OOO with an illness or injury that keeps you out of work.Healthcare. Choose from several competitive healthcare plans for you and your family with 80% employer coverage for all medical and dental premiums, 100% employer coverage for vision, and the option to participate in the FSA program.Commuter Benefits. Allocate pre-tax funds towards your commute to save up to 40% per year in transportation expenses.Continuing Education. Access to monthly team-led webinars, exclusive 829-cohort based learning, digital course platforms, and funding opportunities to attend national conferences and events.Company Overview829 Studios is a digital marketing agency that offers branding, design, email marketing, SEO, and web development services. It was founded in 2007, and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://829studios.com.