So, what’s the opportunity?
At our core, spark* is a team of storytellers — Experts in current affairs, #cdnpoli, and finding strategic ways to reach the audiences that matter.
We’re a team of nearly 40 pros from all kinds of backgrounds —marketers, political strategists, web developers, motion designers, journalists, public opinion researchers. What unites us is a love for complex challenges that let us dig deep, find powerful narratives, and help our clients shape reputation, drive awareness, and influence behaviour.
Some of our work is about education, awareness, and reputation management. Other times, it’s about mobilizing audiences, shifting public opinion, or achieving a specific legislative or regulatory win. That range is what keeps it interesting, and what requires sharp strategy, great storytelling, and a big toolbox.
We’re looking for an Account Director to join the team.
You’re an experienced agency professional who knows how to own client relationships, contribute to strategy, and drive flawless execution from brief to launch. Tight timelines and curveballs are nothing new to you. In fact, given the issues-based and advocacy work we do, that’s just Tuesday around here. You follow politics closely, care about public affairs, and want to work somewhere where that matters, and somewhere where you can help drive impact and change.
What you'll do
- Contribute to strategic direction for client campaigns and projects and own the execution, ensuring everything lands on time, on budget, and on brief
- Collaborate with colleagues across our PR, Insights Research, Targeting, Creative, and Web teams to develop integrated campaign plans and pursue business development opportunities
- Foster strong client relationships, serving as the day-to-day lead, a trusted advisor, and a steady presence clients can count on when it matters most
- Provide strategic counsel to clients on complex issues, helping them navigate challenges, anticipate risks, and make informed decisions with confidence
- Prepare materials for client meetings and presentations, and lead brainstorming sessions by bringing ideas and approaches grounded in experience
- Create, track, and monitor timelines across multiple client projects, prioritizing and shifting when the work demands it
- Manage client budgets, scope, and expectations, including billing oversight and forecasting
- Retain and grow your existing client portfolio and pursue net new business if that’s in your DNA
- Collect and analyze news and information from a range of sources to assess trends and opportunities relevant to client issues
- Stay genuinely on top of the news cycle and understand why it matters to your clients
What you'll bring
- 5+ years of experience in marketing, communications, public affairs, and/or politics, with a demonstrated ability to plan and run campaigns from strategy through execution
- Agency or consulting experience is required. You know how to manage clients, juggle portfolios, and deliver
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable client counsel
- Excellent writing skills across formats, from strategy decks and briefing notes to media materials and client communications
- You treat deadlines like they’re personal and you’ve got the track record to prove it
- A natural collaborator who knows how to bring the right people together across departments, and can also manage accounts and workstreams independently when needed
- Someone who actively embraces AI tools to work smarter, move faster, and free up headspace for the strategic thinking that makes a difference
- Someone who genuinely loves Canadian politics, loves a good debate, and wants their work to connect to something that matters
- Comfort using emerging technologies and tools to solve complex problems
Education
A degree in communications, marketing, political science, or public relations is an asset — but we care more about what you’ve done than where you studied. Equivalent experience is equally valued. We know great communicators come from all kinds of paths. If you’ve built the skills, we want to hear from you.
Bonus Points
Bilingual (English/French)
Compensation
$90,000 – $115,000
Commensurate with experience. Candidates with backgrounds that exceed the typical range are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
What spark* has to offer
- Benefits package (health, dental, vision)
- Hybrid work environment (Ottawa area)
- Exposure to diverse clients and issues
- Collaborative and dynamic workplace culture
- Performance bonus tied to individual and company results
- Incentive program for new client acquisition
- Opportunities for professional growth
