Client Account Director, Livelihoods and Food Security (USAID)

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

As the Client Account Director, Livelihoods and Food Security, you will hold a key leadership position within Abt’s Global Development Division and report to the Vice President of the Resilient Economies Portfolio. You will drive growth in Abt’s livelihoods and food security programs by cultivating client relationships, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, and selling Abt’s relevant capabilities and offerings. You will ensure our global development clients, notably USAID, get the best of Abt by effectively harnessing our four core capabilities (technical assistance and implementation; equity; research, monitoring, & evaluation; and digital and data services). You will define and pursue sales targets that position Abt for sustained long-term growth and diversification. This includes managing other Abt technical and business development experts, disseminating client priorities to key internal stakeholders, helping to inform new technical approaches, prototypes, proofs of concept, marketing campaigns, and formulating talent acquisition and development strategies. Ultimately you will be a key contributor in growing Abt’s mission impact and financial health.

Core Responsibilities

• Develops and executes a global client account plan and develops and implements a growth strategy for livelihoods and food security programs.
• Drives Abt’s internal understanding of relevant client strategies, budgets, programming and priorities at the global and mission level to inform solutioning, win theme development, competitive positioning and price to win activities.
• Consistently and frequently disseminates client intelligence and priorities to ensure internal stakeholders are developing and executing approaches for project and technical delivery that leads to achieving and exceeding financial and mission objectives.
• Drives growth by collaborating to build and maintain a healthy pipeline of relevant opportunities.
• Works with the Resilient Economies Vice President to prepare, track and regularly revise sales goals.
• Acts as, or oversees the activities of, the “Opportunity Owner or Lead” for new pursuits, which may include directly or indirectly supporting capture, bid board, and proposal development activities. Provides input into negotiating the scope, pricing, and resourcing of pursued work.
• Executes client call campaigns, attends in person client meetings, and develops and maintains relationships with current and new client decision makers.
• Develops and expands client relationships through advisory interactions and thought leadership.
• Works with Abt’s capabilities’ organization (i.e., Research Monitoring & Evaluation, Technical Assistance and Implementation, Digital & Data Services, and Equity) and departments (e.g., Global Business Development Unit and Marketing/Communications) to build sales and marketing plans and pitches, white papers, and targeted campaigns related to salient client needs and topics.
• Collaborates with Abt delivery teams to ensure project technical implementation is impactful and sustainable and that technical approaches and deliverables meet client satisfaction.
• Manages account aligned technical and subject matter experts and ensures their contribution to proposal and project activities as well as their individual growth and development.
• Attends key conferences and industry events that are relevant to the client.
• Attends regular management meetings with Portfolio leadership to discuss sales/delivery activity, risks, etc.
• Identifies and promotes implementation approaches that reinforce localization, systems thinking, and gender, equity and social inclusion.
• Fosters an environment to elevate and support Abt’s Vision, Mission, Values and Culture and Strategic Priorities.
• Models and reinforces throughout the account Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility.

What We Value

• Bachelor’s Degree + Fifteen years of relevant experience, or master's degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or PhD + Ten years of relevant experience
• 10+ years of progressive experience in international development providing client relationship management, technical professional services delivery, and project management through professional services contractors or non-profit organizations.
• Experience with key clients across USAID for 8+ years.
• Prior experience successfully generating more than $50M in annual sales in agriculture and food security areas.
• Repeat experience leading and/or writing winning technical proposals for USAID.
• Deep familiarity with how the US federal government conducts business, and experience throughout the federal sales cycle to position, win, and grow business.
• Deep familiarity in designing and providing technical assistance and implementation support for large, multi-year projects across multiple geographies.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to integrate research, monitoring, and evaluation; digital and data services; and equity considerations into technical assistance projects.
• Proven track record of management and leadership, including project leadership, and prior experience managing large projects.
• Strong collaborator with a history of maintaining successful relationships internally and externally. Prior experience working in highly collaborative, matrixed environments is desired.
• Skilled in professional/career development of team members and comfortable providing constructive feedback.
• Passion for Abt’s mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide.
• Commitment to building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture at Abt and incorporating an equity lens into the livelihoods and food security accounts.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $139,021.29 to $222,434.06 and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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