Account Director - Halifax - Zianetwork

Description

Do you have what it takes to shape what comes next?

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full time

location:

abu dhabi, UAE

seniority:

Director / Senior

languages:

reports to:

Agency Director, CEO, COO

team:

MarCom

Creative, PR, Production, Government Relations

note: This role sits within ZIA's MarCom team but operates in close alignment with executive leadership and cross-functional departments due to the sensitivity and seniority of the account.

This is a fast-paced and highly sensitive role that requires intelligence, diplomacy, and leadership under pressure.

Important Note: This role supports a senior-level government account involving VVIPs. Absolute discretion, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism are critical. Only candidates with native Arabic fluency, excellent English, and experience in similar high-stakes roles will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day client communications and act as a trusted liaison with key government stakeholders
• Oversee strategic planning and delivery across campaigns, activations, and communications
• Lead the briefing process and ensure internal teams are aligned and delivering against client expectations
• Coordinate internal teams (production, social, creative, PR, and other outputs) to ensure alignment and execution for on-time, on-brand delivery
• Track and manage timelines/schedules, deliverables, budgets, feedback loops, and approvals across projects
• Own and deliver client briefs, proposals, high-level reports, and approvals
• Manage budgets, schedules, approvals, and quality control for all deliverables
• Translate complex feedback into clear, actionable internal guidance
• Anticipate challenges, resolve issues quickly, and maintain absolute client trust
• Uphold protocol, confidentiality, and high cultural sensitivity in all aspects of delivery

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10+ years of experience in client servicing or agency account management
• Native-level Arabic and fluent English (spoken and written)
• Prior experience working with UAE government, royal, or sensitive high-profile clients
• Strong project management and multi-stakeholder coordination skills
• Excellent communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, lead diverse teams, and manage complex projects
• Strong understanding of the cultural and communications landscape in the UAE and GCC
• Familiarity with agency workflow across creative, content, and digital teams

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

• Background in PR, communications, or brand strategy
• Experience in both government and private sector client accounts
• Experience managing bilingual (Arabic/English) campaigns
• Familiarity with formal protocol and content review processes/approval workflows especially within UAE entities
• Experience in integrated campaigns that span creative, social, and event platforms
• Experience working closely with multiple departments without an agency including creative and production teams

Why Join ZIA

• Work on meaningful, high-impact national projects
• Competitive salary and performance-based growth opportunities
• Exposure to cross-collaborative work across disciplines, clients, and cultures
• A diverse, dynamic, multicultural team with a shared standard of excellence
• A creative culture that celebrates innovation, authenticity, bold thinking, cultural relevance, and results

about ZIA

ZIA Creative Network is a culturally rooted creative agency with offices in Dubai, AbuDhabi,and Halifax. Headquartered in the UAE, we specialize in bold, human-centered campaigns for leading brands and government entities across the Emirates and wider GCC. Our work also extends internationally, with select projects reaching audiences in North America and beyond.

At ZIA, we combine deep regional insight with global creative standards to produce culturally meaningful, high-impact work across strategy, content, creative production, and digital platforms. We pride ourselves on delivering locally resonant, globally competitive ideas that drive real-world results.

Important Note: ZIA is a high-performance, high-stakes environment. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy the intensity of tight deadlines, and take pride in producing exceptional work that moves people and shapes culture — you'll fit right in. We're looking for team members who are ambitious, resilient, and excited to push creative and strategic boundaries every day.

I confirm that I have read and understood the full job description and meet the stated requirements.

if you've been referred by a current/former zia employee, please enter their name here:

Brief Cover Letter / Message Please include why you believe you are the right fit for this role

Feel free to upload any additional files that support your application (e.g. portfolio, case studies, certifications, or references)

Upload file or drag and drop here

Screening Questions

Relevant work samples or case studies that highlight your ability to manage high-profile government-level accounts

Highlight any bilingual design work or relevant campaign experience

Are you currently based in Abu Dhabi or willing to relocate? yes no

Do you have native-level Arabic and fluent English? yes no

Have you managed government, royal, or VIP accounts before? Please provide examples.

What is your current notice period and earliest availability?

What are your salary expectations for this role?

I understand that only applications submitted with a CV, a tailored cover letter, and responses to all screening questions will be reviewed.

I acknowledge that due to the volume of applications, only candidates selected for the next stage will be contacted.

our hiring process

1 virtual vibes

2 the assignment

you'll complete a short task so we can see your thinking, creativity, and craft in action.

3 final meetup

an in‑person interview, a deeper conversation — and maybe even an offer. we're rooting for you.

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