Part of M&C Saatchi, this specialist division partners with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to work on the critical issues of our time, including conflict prevention and sustainable development. We provide a fully integrated, end-to-end service, combining multi-disciplinary communications teams with subject matter experts across the world. Our work is domestic and global, often affecting the most vulnerable in society, with international activity orientated toward conflict-affected or developing countries.
Account Director at M&C Saatchi World Services. In this role you will:
* Play a senior role in delivering communications and media activity across key Australian Government contracts. You will be responsible for leading day-to-day client relationships, overseeing campaign delivery, and ensuring work is executed to the highest standard – on time, on budget and in line with contractual requirements.
* Work closely with the Senior Account Director and senior leadership, acting as a trusted client partner, a leader within the account team, and a key contributor to strategic thinking and delivery excellence across World Services projects.
* Work with, collaborate and task a diverse multi-disciplinary team of Account Handlers (Account Managers, Research & Insights Analysts, Data Scientists & Producers) in Sydney to help with the creation and implementation of media / creative campaigns.
* Strive for strategic and creative excellence and support the development of long-term brand communications and quick-response strategic communications.
Responsibilities
Client leadership & strategic partnership
* Manage day-to-day client relationships, building trust through clear communication, responsiveness and sound judgement.
* Support senior leadership in providing strategic advice to clients, informed by an understanding of the operating, political and media environment.
* Ensure client expectations are clearly understood, managed and met across all projects.
* Represent the agency professionally in all client interactions.
Campaign & delivery excellence
* Lead the delivery of integrated media and communications projects, ensuring excellence across strategy, execution, reporting and evaluation.
* Oversee internal and external reporting, including senior-level status updates and performance reporting, in partnership with the media team.
* Ensure work is delivered in line with agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.
Strategic contribution
* Contribute to the development of communications and media strategies in partnership with senior leadership and specialist teams.
* Apply learnings from campaign performance to improve future planning and execution.
* Maintain strong situational awareness of the media landscape, production capabilities and broader risk environment.
* Support the Senior Account Director in account planning, forecasting and contract delivery where required.
Team leadership & capability building
* Provide leadership and guidance to Account Managers and junior team members, supporting their development and performance.
* Foster a high-performing, collaborative and resilient team culture.
* Help maintain balanced workloads across the team, ensuring work is well planned and efficiently delivered.
* Act as a positive role in professionalism, communication and problem solving.
Global collaboration & representation
* Be prepared to occasionally assist outside the stated core across UK, Singapore and US time zones, collaborating with international colleagues, stakeholders and teams.
* Be flexible and proactive in supporting a small, dynamic team responding to fast-moving priorities.
* Act as an ambassador for M&C Saatchi World Services internally and externally.
About You
We are searching for a confident and capable senior operator, with a strong sense of responsibility for quality, accuracy and reputation. You are calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure, as well as proactive, adaptable and willing to step beyond core responsibilities when needed. You are motivated by the belief that thoughtfully applied communications can have a positive impact, and you are a collaborative leader who values specialist expertise and supports team growth.
Essential
* Australian citizenship is required. Existing clearance is advantageous.
* Significant experience in a similar communications or public affairs field.
* Excellent understanding of managing media projects and/or communications campaigns.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills (English).
* Proficiency in all components of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Powerpoint and Excel).
Desirable
* Understanding of geopolitics and international relations.
* Demonstrable liaison skills across the sectors normally associated with working in developing countries.
* Additional language capabilities (bilingual highly regarded).
* Cultural or community insight relevant to Australia's multicultural landscape.
What You'll Get
For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package along with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.
M&C Saatchi Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on talent and capability, without regard for any personal characteristics. All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 7 JUNE 2026. NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.
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