THE ROLE

We're in search of a visionary Head of Agency to help navigate our team to new levels of growth. This role is responsible for developing and executing upon a multi-year growth strategy, overseeing the day-to-day management of the business, and energizing and inspiring team members to optimize outcomes across all aspects of the agency. As the agency's chief executive, this role reports to the agency's Board of Directors on a semi-regular basis, while leading the agency's Executive Team and retaining full operational control of most agency decisions. This pivotal role offers the rare opportunity to design and implement a broad vision, helping a company with a solid foundation and team culture to achieve its significant upward potential.

The ideal candidate is someone who is skilled at identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, relishes the chance to build on a strong existing framework and book of business, and can seamlessly introduce best practices to agency operations while integrating where necessary with existing successes. This role is most appropriate for a seasoned leader in experiential marketing who can leverage their industry expertise and network to quickly achieve demonstrable results.

WHO WE ARE

At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We're a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians expertly bringing ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create experiences that make an impact. And we do this all in a flexible 'work from anywhere' environment where we celebrate differences and encourage each of our 'advocates' to bring their unique perspectives to the table each and every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaboratively develop and lead the implementation of agency growth strategy, working with the Board and Executive Team to identify opportunities and establish a clear roadmap for success
Oversee all day-to-day decisions of the business, including management of the Executive Team (department heads for Sales, Client Services, Project Operations, Creative, People Ops, and Finance); serve as primary point of accountability for agency-wide metrics and goals
Excite and inspire the full team with clear, authentic communication, a shared vision, and regular, timely updates on agency's trajectory and strategy
Cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability, demanding excellence while exhibiting strong, selfless leadership and follow-through
Standardize agency visibility into key performance metrics, allowing for regular, proactive, data-driven decision-making to optimize agency outcomes
Serve as an influential thought leader and champion of the agency within and beyond the experiential industry
Leverage network to help attract prospective clients and potential hires
Lead Executive Team meetings, while facilitating collaboration, alignment and optimal performance between and among departments in their respective functions:
- Sales & Marketing: Ensure the development of a robust and reliable pipeline, leading to consistent, predictable outcomes in line with agency targets; build Advoc8's reputation and brand awareness through clear, consistent engagement with influential audiences
- Client Services: Foster client loyalty and growth through authentic relationships that exceed clients' expectations, provide strategic value and position us for expansion, while adapting agency services and offerings to address clients' needs
- Project Operations: Optimize operational readiness and ability to scale efficiently, within a tight business model that services incoming business profitably and successfully manages projects on schedule and within budget
- Creative: Nurture an industry-leading culture of innovation and excellence, with top-tier creatives delivering consistently impressive results
- People Ops: Attract, retain and develop top talent with a people-first approach and ongoing professional development
- Finance: Partner with Finance team to ensure reliable real-time information, direct appropriate management of cash and working capital, optimize P&L while strengthening the balance sheet, and secure investment capital if appropriate
Report to agency's Board of Directors with regular updates on overall business trajectory, challenges, opportunities, and needs
Lead the development of annual budget and growth targets, to be approved annually
Facilitate management and administration of Board initiatives and priorities
Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports (Executive Team members)
(If needed) Identify opportunities for expansion through acquisition or mergers, and where appropriate, guide the negotiation, administration and implementation of those strategies

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership Experience

12+ years of agency and/or industry experience
6+ years of leadership experience within an agency environment or similar, ideally with a team size of 75+ employees
Experience growing an agency from $20M-30M to $50M-75M+ is strongly preferred
Proven track record in driving business growth and exceeding revenue targets
Exceptional communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
Capability in guiding a company through M&A transactions is a plus

Experiential Industry Experience & Understanding

Extensive experience within the experiential marketing industry, with a keen understanding of current industry trends and emerging opportunities, is highly desirable
Deep network of potential clients, prospective employees and contingent labor/freelancers
Existing industry profile and credibility as a thought leader is preferred

Team & Culture

Talented communicator who can inspire and lead a team, articulate a vision and strategy clearly, and authentically champion all aspects of the agency
Adept at communicating across sales, creative, production, and administrative professionals, understanding their unique skills and attributes within a team environment
Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8's core values; represents them in daily work
Innate creativity and a drive to push the boundaries of experiential marketing and brand experiences

Other Skills

Track record of confidently leading teams through expansion and growth
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
Sufficient financial literacy skills to confidently interpret and respond to agency reporting, directing the financial and non-financial levers of the business to optimize outcomes
Demonstrated management and organizational skills, including an ability to build and lead teams

Other Requirements

Successful completion of a background check

BENEFITS

Collaborative and creative work environment
Competitive base salary, with additional performance-based incentives
Health Insurance: 100% coverage of base level medical insurance plus buy up options to meet you and your family's needs
Health Insurance: Dental and vision insurance
401k, FSA, and stipend for mobile phone usage
Professional development and training reimbursements
Flexible work schedule
Unlimited vacation and personal time
Paid parental leave and Grandternity Leave
Fully remote company

We have transitioned from a once Washington D.C.-based agency to being Washington, D.C.-born. This position is not location-based, though travel may occasionally be required for team offsites or gatherings. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; at this time, we are not able to provide sponsorship.

At ADVOC8, building an inclusive team that celebrates our differences is integral to our success. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply even if you don't meet all qualifications.

ADVOC8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and prohibits discrimination and harassment: ADVOC8 is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ADVOC8 are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, neurodivergence, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. ADVOC8 will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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