We fight sameness.
At Zulu Alpha Kilo (Z.A.K. for short), it’s not just our creative mission. It's why we exist. We believe boring is expensive. When your brand is truly distinct, real people recognize, remember, and choose you over the competition. There's no greater risk than putting work into the world that's more of the same.
Launched in 2008, we’re proud that our shop has built a reputation over the years as an industry outlier and one of the most respected independent agencies in the world.
On four different occasions, Ad Age named us Small Agency of the Year and International Small Agency of the Year. We've been listed among the top ten independent agencies in the world in Cannes, One Show and D&AD, based on a body of effective, breakthrough work. In 2024 we were named on Ad Age’s A-List Standout Agencies. In 2021 we were Campaign US Independent Agency of the Year and most recently recognized as one of Campaign Global’s 2025 Independent Agencies of the year. For four years running, Fast Company has recognized our work in their World Changing Ideas and Innovation By Design issues and in 2024 Z.A.K. made Fast Company’s list of Most Innovative Companies.
We were founded on the belief that the world needs more creativity. It’s what drives all our decision-making. When you truly embrace creativity as a competitive advantage, you will see it transform your world and your business. We’ve witnessed this over and over with our own clients.
And, as a purpose-driven company, we also use our creativity to do good in the world by supporting causes we truly believe in.
With 200 staff in New York, Toronto, and Vancouver, Z.A.K. is a magnet for top global talent. Want to change your world as a marketer? Let’s fight sameness together.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for a strategic Account Director who’s ready to lead client partnerships with confidence, clarity, and ambition. You’re a natural relationship builder—trusted by clients, respected by internal teams, and energized by the challenge of driving business results through powerful creative work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Key senior day-to-day point of contact for client and internal team; must have a proven track record of building trusting, professional relationships internally, with clients, and partners
- Maintains proactive consistent communication with GAD and/or MD on account status
- Proven experience managing and executing fully integrated campaigns with a balance between digital/interactive/social marketing focus and traditional above the line
- Ability to influence, drive, and sell integrated strategic initiatives
- Influences the development of the highest quality of creative work by sharing knowledge of the client’s business/brand/category and demonstrating strong creative judgment
- Ability to cultivate strong relationships and partner effectively with all internal agency functions
- With strategic and creative partners, helps devise short + long term strategies and opportunities for client with creative opportunities and revenue growth
- Proactively leads annual planning processes, SOW, and resource allocations
- Oversees account administration, strong fiscal acumen, driving process; troubleshoots day-to-day account issues with ease
- Owns the communication between agency, client and partner agencies (media, retail, digital, PR, etc.) to ensure seamless collaboration
- Responsible for direct reports professional development and performance reviews
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in advertising creative agency
- An amazing relationship builder who is entrepreneurial in spirit – we want a champion of creative thinking who embraces a challenge
- Ability to work under pressure and rally team to meet deadlines in a fast-paced creative environment – independently takes initiative with thorough follow-up ability
- Extensive Digital and Broadcast Production experience is essential
- Incredibly well organized, collaborative, receptive to change, laser focused on detail
- From time to time, after hours work and overnight traveling to meetings, shoots and/or post sessions may be required
If you love pace, precision, personality — and protecting great work — let’s talk.
Compensation for this role ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 CAD, depending on experience.
Zulu Alpha Kilo is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, colour, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, provincial, and local laws. Zulu Alpha Kilo is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation during the interviewing process, please let us know.
This job posting relates to an existing vacancy. Zulu Alpha Kilo uses artificial intelligence systems in the recruitment process to screen, assess, or select applicants but all hiring decisions are made by humans.
We appreciate your interest in joining Zulu Alpha Kilo. When applicable, please include a link to your portfolio with your application. Although all applications are reviewed, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
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