About the Job
Palette is a fast-growing startup at the center of the creator economy. Our team of 80+ is working towards defining the standard for talent management and marketing in an era of new media dominated by digital-first entertainers.
Our management infrastructure mirrors the depth of attention given to the world’s biggest cultural and entertainment icons, and previously reserved for artists in traditional arenas of entertainment. Today, it services a roster of 200+ creators and influencers with a combined following of 1B+ serving over 45.8B impressions monthly. Our creators have starred in Super Bowl commercials, launched national brands, and have been featured in nearly every major publication.
Our marketing agency executes strategy for some of the most influential brands and organizations in the world, including: The Biden White House, Amazon, simplehuman, and the Gates Foundation. 42% of Americans under the age of 40 are no longer accessible through traditional marketing channels – we enable organizations to speak to those audiences. Our marketing team has been recognized with 5 Shorty Impact Awards, and has advised three US Presidents on the future of the internet.
About the Role
Palette is seeking a Director of Client Services to lead strategic partnerships across corporate affairs, public affairs, and political communications. This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of creator marketing, digital culture, and high-stakes communications, helping influential brands and organizations reach audiences through emerging media.
You will serve as a trusted advisor to enterprise-level clients, leading integrated campaigns from strategy through execution while managing complex stakeholder relationships and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is both a strong operator and strategic thinker, with experience navigating fast-paced environments, overseeing high-impact communications initiatives, and driving long-term client growth.
Responsibilities
Client Leadership + Strategic Advisory
Account Management: As the main point of contact for clients, you are responsible for the overall success and strategic management of client accounts.
Strategy: Serve as a senior strategic advisor to clients, building trusted relationships with executive stakeholders and guiding long-term partnership growth. Lead high-stakes client communications, issue management, and strategic decision-making.
Performance: Oversee campaign performance analysis and provide strategic recommendations based on data, reporting, and audience insights. Ensure campaigns deliver measurable impact aligned with client KPIs and business objectives.
Client Deliverables: Oversee the development of client deliverables, including memos, presentations, creator briefs, and campaign messaging, while providing guidance and editorial oversight to junior team members.
Business Operations: Oversee client budgets, contracting, and invoicing to ensure operational accuracy and alignment with client scope and budget parameters.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Cross-Department Coordination: Partner cross-functionally with teams across strategy, business development, talent management, production, distribution, and measurement to deliver integrated campaigns.
Processes: Improve internal systems, workflows, and operational processes to support scalable growth.
Internal Leadership: As a member of senior leadership, help shape team culture, operational processes, and the continued growth of Palette.
Business Development + Industry Leadership
New Business: Support agency growth through participation in pitches, proposals, and strategic business development initiatives.
Upsell Opportunities: Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and drive long-term account growth.
External Events: Represent Palette externally through thought leadership, speaking engagements, industry events, and relationship-building.
Thought Leadership: Contribute to Palette’s perspective on the evolving creator economy, digital culture, and internet influence.
Qualifications
8-12 years professional work experience.
At least 5 years of experience in a client management or client services role at a creator marketing, advertising, corporate communications, public affairs, political communications or crisis advisory firm, ideally with exposure to high-profile brands or organizations
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Communications, Media Studies, or other closely related field
Experience advising senior stakeholders (C-suite, government officials, or public figures)
Experience managing enterprise-level clients and complex integrated campaigns.
Strong track record of identifying business or communications challenges and translating them into effective strategies.
Proven ability to lead multiple high-priority workstreams simultaneously.
Strong operational, organizational, and project management capabilities.
Comfortable managing budgets, timelines, contracts, and campaign performance metrics.
Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead confidently in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
Deep understanding of creator ecosystems across platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, and emerging media.
Proven track record building creator or influencer marketing programs across platforms.
Existing relationships within the creator economy ecosystem.
Understanding of UGC, paid media, and social distribution best practices.
Experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory



