Senior Engagement Lead

Our Story 

We put purpose into practice: August Jackson is an experiential marketing and strategic communications agency advancing the mission of brands, businesses, and universities through extraordinary events and experiences. Our primary focus is in the events and communications sector, partnering directly with leadership on significant initiatives related to large corporate meetings, messaging, and culture to drive lasting organizational impact. We are a devoted team with a caring culture and a collaborative approach; our relationships are at the forefront of everything we do. Our client roster includes AbbVie, Deloitte, Accenture, Grant Thornton, Constellation, and Takeda, among others. 

The headquarters of our award-winning, 60-person agency is in downtown Chicago, and we offer our people the flexibility to work in a hybrid model or remotely from any location they call home. We place a high value on our team culture, characterized by genuine, witty, and fun individuals who are dedicated to fostering strong internal and client partnerships. Many of our people at AJ have been with us for years and we embrace those looking for a long-term fit. If this resonates with you, we would love to hear from you! 

The Role 

The Senior Engagement Lead ensures that AJ’s clients have the best experience by leading with curiosity, proactivity, and authenticity. Acting as the primary contact, the Senior Engagement Lead advocates for clients and internal teams, manages end-to-end event and communications deliverables, and serves as a critical link between clients and AJ's team. The role requires a strong strategy mindset, the desire to build genuine client relationships, intellectual curiosity and acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. 

The ideal candidate understands the importance of building trust with internal teams and with clients. You are a connector, a vision architect, an advocate, and lead with ambition, not ego. Your main objective in this role will be to come in with a high level of openness to listen and learn, anticipate needs, and build strong internal and external relationships to genuinely understand your clients' mindsets. You understand that trust is earned and work to create a foundation where it can grow and flourish. 

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $140,000-$160,000 based on experience and industry, along with a 10% annual performance bonus. Ideally, this role will be hybrid out of the downtown Chicago office; however, a remote setup is available if the fit is right. The position reports to the SVP, Client Services. 

What You’ll Do 

• Oversee big picture client projects while ensuring flawless execution of details. 
• Build meaningful relationships with clients, always striving to earn the position of trusted advisor. 
• Foster strong internal relationships by maintaining high standards and expectations for work and atmosphere, encouraging curiosity and proactivity. 
• Serve as end-to-end strategy lead on projects, ensuring that deliverables align with the client’s strategy and support larger organizational goals. 
• Collaborate closely with the Engagement Lead, Creative Director, Producer, and executives on client projects to ensure alignment, synergy, and high-quality standards. 
• Anticipate client needs by listening carefully to understand, diagnose, and solve their problems, bringing authenticity to their messaging and ensuring the work aligns with the client’s purpose and brand identity. 
• Bring a confident point of view with relevant and interesting insights and solutions to clients and to the internal team. 
• Successfully integrate self into the client’s business structure ("speak their language"). 
• Listen for opportunities with existing clients and within the marketplace. 
• Lead client meetings and work side-by-side with clients in a collaborative way. 
• Procure resources necessary to accomplish exceptional work on time and within budget. 
• Provide scope specifications for new work, collaborate with the Producer to budget and build SOWs for fee-based work, and approve budgets and SOWs before sending to clients, in partnership with leadership. 
• Maintain the accuracy of the assigned client portfolio in our CRM system. 
• Proactively document and follow up on any budgeting, billing, invoicing, or payment issues related to clients. 
• Meet and/or exceed annual goals to grow the relationship. 
• Manage the business in compliance with the governing Masters Service Agreement for the client relationship, and develop account plans and forecasts for clients, analyzing and reporting revenue by client. 
• Mentor and coach the broader team by providing them with ongoing guidance, support, and partnership. 

What You’ll Bring 

• A degree in marketing or a related field 
• At least 6 years of marketing experience in a client service environment 
• Deep passion and fluency in our business offerings, including events, communications, and digital services 
• Skilled in fostering positive relationships and ensuring clear, productive dialogue with everyone involved 
• Adept at adjusting communication style and forging authentic partnerships for different audiences and contexts 
• Eagerness to partner with internal stakeholders in other disciplines (creative, design, production, etc.) 
• Strong communicator who captures attention, conveys ideas clearly, and fosters connection 
• Critical decision-making with strong instincts, fueled by a natural intellectual curiosity 
• Confident executor who approaches tasks with precision and determination 
• Ability to manage complex solutions involving multiple stakeholders with ease 
• Highly organized, with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accurate and efficient task completion 
• Unfazed by tight deadlines and conflicting priorities 

What You’ll Get 

• Competitive compensation including annual bonus 
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision 
• Retirement 401(k) Plans 
• Health savings account 
• Paid time off, tiered based on tenure 
• Caring and nurturing team culture 
• Strong industry connections and exposure 
• A team were curiosity and creativity are welcomed and encouraged 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

August Jackson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.