Folklore is an innovation and experience company that provides digital transformation solutions to companies seeking to offer best practices digital experiences to its customers and internal stakeholders.

Folklore is chosen by clients when results matter most—becoming the agent of change and driving transformation that combines business strategy, users needs, branding and technology.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Folklore is a team of veteran designers, technologists, researchers and strategists that have deep expertise across a variety of industries, including retail manufacturing, finance, healthcare and services.

About the Role

The Account Director is our clients' strategic agency lead, driving client success and growing our business. This role is part strategist, part relationship guru, part team navigator. You'll need sharp thinking, people skills, and the ability to juggle it all while making exceptional work happen.

Our Values in Action

At Folklore, our values aren't just poster material—they're how we actually work:

Integrity — We do things right. Our reputation demands it, and so does your success.

• You'll be the guardian of both client trust and agency standards, making calls that honor commitments and protect relationships
• Your transparency and follow-through will set the bar for everyone else

Excellence — Achieving excellence isn't easy, but it's worth it. That's why we always strive for better.

• You'll push for work that doesn't just check boxes—it exceeds them, challenging teams to bring their A-game
• Your commitment to getting better will elevate both client results and what we're capable of as an agency

Purpose — We make meaningful work, with the goal that it makes life better, easier and brighter for those who experience it.

• You'll make sure our strategies solve real problems and create genuine value for the people using them
• Your work connects client goals to human needs—because at the end of the day, real people interact with what we create

Partnership — Together we'll do great things. It starts with a base of trust, empathy, and commitment.

• You'll build relationships based on mutual respect, actively listening to clients and teammates alike
• Your collaborative leadership brings diverse perspectives together toward something better than any one person could create alone

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship & Business Growth

• Be the go-to strategic partner for your client accounts, building solid relationships with senior stakeholders (think C-suite folks)
• Act as a trusted advisor on their business challenges—go beyond just delivering what they asked for and suggest smart solutions Folklore can nail
• Spot opportunities to grow accounts through upsells, cross-sells, and expanding into new territory
• Own account retention and client satisfaction
• Lead contract negotiations and renewal conversations
• Challenge clients when it's the right thing to do (respectfully, of course)

Strategic Direction

• Team up with our strategy and UX teams to turn client business goals into actionable plans that actually move the needle
• Help teams understand the "why" behind the work—not just the "what"—so tactics align with bigger business goals
• Guide clients through the sometimes-messy world of digital marketing, so they can make smart choices
• Develop strategic POVs and recommendations that make Folklore’s team look like the thought leaders we are

Team Leadership & Orchestration

• Lead cross-functional teams (creative, strategy, tech—the whole gang), setting high standards and walking the walk
• Keep everyone aligned around what the client needs and what we're trying to achieve as an agency
• Partner with Project Managers and Technical Delivery on realistic plans and resource needs
• Be willing to roll up your sleeves and do hands-on day-to-day management work when needed
• Mentor Account Supervisors and Account Managers when you're assigned to develop them—help them grow their careers
• Help build a team culture where people want to collaborate and do great work

Financial Management

• Keep accounts profitable through smart budget management and scope control
• Team up with finance, project management, and tech delivery to hit profitability targets
• Forecast revenue growth and resource needs 
• Manage SOWs and change orders to keep accounts financially healthy
• Balance where we choose to invest in growth and what keeps the lights on

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• See problems coming before they become dumpster fires
• Handle tough conversations with tact and clarity
• Protect both client relationships and agency interests with good judgment
• Know when to handle it yourself and when to escalate to leadership

Agency Representation

• Represent what Folklore brings to the table in client meetings and out in the wild
• Jump into new business efforts—pitches, proposals, the works

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years of agency account management experience
• Proven track record of managing strategic client relationships and growing accounts
• Solid understanding of digital marketing—UX, content, SEO, CMS, CRM, and other marketing tech platforms
• Sharp strategic thinking and business sense
• Killer communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading teams and mentoring junior folks
• Financial chops including P&L management and forecasting

Preferred

• Digital agency experience is ideal, but if you've got a history of strong client relationships, consistent portfolio growth, and can learn tech platforms quickly, let's talk
• Bachelor's degree preferred, but we'll consider equivalent real-world experience

Benefits and Perks:

• Health Benefits: 100% paid medical premiums for employees, 50% paid for dependents
• Optional employee-paid vision and dental plans
• Vacation: flexible PTO pending manager approval and responsible usage
• 80 hours of Sick & Safe Time
• 401k + 3% guaranteed employer contribution: eligible after 3 months of employment
• Paid parental leave
• Summer Fridays (½ day Fridays between Memorial and Labor Day)

Folklore is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.