blog: 
A Day in the Life of an Account Manager
by Jen Duncan on 3.22.2011 in Company News 3
Do you like puzzles? Working with all those little cardboard pieces, trying to figure out how they connect to create that big picture. That’s kind of like my job. I manage all the pieces and in the end create a finished product, one that the client is happy with, as well as Brighton.
As an Account Manager, my role is to strategically direct projects from conception to completion. I work with a great team who help me get from the “borders of the puzzle” to the nitty gritty “inside pieces.”
Want an even closer look at my role as Account Manager? Then read on…
Responsibilities: As the leading advocate between Brighton and our client, it is my responsibility to direct our team’s efforts to not only meet the needs of our clients but to exceed their expectations. My day-to-day can include anything and everything including reviewing artwork, discussing long-term strategy, attending focus groups, and always communicating via phone and in-person on a variety of projects.
Execution: Collaborate with internal creative, PR and interactive teams. Maintain relationships with the client to effectively manage expectations and feedback. Meet deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
How it all comes together: By employing some of the most remarkable and strategic minds in the business, Brighton produces outstanding results that stretch the landscape of possibility for our clients. It’s a rewarding experience to complete a project, on time and within budget, which the client is thrilled with!
Giving back: One of the most fulfilling aspects of working within such a dynamic agency is the opportunity to work with pro-bono clients within the non-profit sector. As an Account Manager, I have the chance to make our superlative work leave a lasting impact on our surrounding community.
Things I have learned: Roll with the punches in this fast-paced atmosphere. Everything is constantly changing so learn when to take a step back. But it’s just as important to know when to ask questions or raise concerns. I am constantly educating myself on my client’s industries and consumer behavior; this helps me offer up strategic ideas and recommendations, bringing those pieces of the puzzle together.
Skills for success: Exceptional communication. This is going to be your basis for developing sustainable relationships with clients. Knowing how to find common ground, common interests, or common goals is critical to creating a good rapport both within the agency and outside of it – you never know when a business opportunity will present itself.
At the end of the day, Account Managers at Brighton are quite the puzzle-solvers. We are looked at as the guardian of our clients’ brands, the leaders of our brand teams, and are entrusted by clients as true business partners. You never do know what you’ll be working on day to day, but in the end those pieces come together to create one successful picture we can all be proud of.

This is a nice post but I would really like to see information on how you get into a position like this; especially when you don’t have a direct background in it, such as, an internship. What can a person who is 5 years or more out of college do in order to be considered for positions such as these? It would just be nice to get some insight for some of the communications professionals who would like to break into the agency setting who don’t have a specific background in account management or account coordination.
Hi Alex! Thanks for the comment.
If you are interested in an account management position and have little agency experience, it’s best to focus on the parallels between what you’ve read here and what you already do. What are your strengths and why are they a good fit in the agency environment? I encourage you to send your cover letter and resume to resume@brightonagency.com. All materials are reviewed and we are continually assessing the staffing needs of the agency.
Brighton is open to candidates from all industry backgrounds if we feel they are a good fit for not only the agency, but the client they would be assisting.
Communication plays an important role for being account manager and and also someone I can see has a passion for the industry.