Senior Account Director, Communications Advisory

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Account Director to lead large client projects and teams, ensuring the strategic delivery of APCO services. This role involves overseeing project execution, delegating tasks, and developing communication strategies that align with client goals. The Senior Account Director will manage budgets, timelines, and resources, while actively pursuing new business opportunities. Experience working with the public sector is a plus. The candidate can be based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Responsibilities:

• Manages and strengthens client relationships, serving as the primary contact.
• Develops and executes effective client communication strategies and plans.
• Ensures high-quality delivery of client programs, aligning with APCO’s business goals.
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities, writes proposals, and leads pitches.
• Maintains profitability, ensuring utilization targets, realization rates, and revenue growth.
• Coaches and develops team members, fostering a culture of learning and high performance.
• Establishes a strong reputation within APCO and the broader industry.
• Engages with APCO’s global network to share knowledge and optimize client service.
• Builds and maintains senior client relationships, ensuring retention and business expansion.
• Oversees budgeting, billing, revenue projections, and profitability for assigned clients.
• Drives digital-first approaches in client work, ensuring teams have the necessary competencies.
• Ensures compliance with company policies, including time entry, billing, and expense management.
• Addresses challenges, offering strategic solutions to clients and teams proactively.
• Promotes innovation, new solutions, and revenue expansion within the organization.
• Demonstrates leadership, accountability, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in an agency, consulting firm, corporation, diplomatic post or media role.
• Experience working for public sector is a plus.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills and experience in stakeholder-focused communications and digital strategy.
• Solid project management experience.
• Regional travel will be required.
• Must reside in Abu Dhabi or Dubai or be willing to relocate.
• Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed and allowed by local regulations.

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact. 

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues. 

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services. 

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.