Job Description

We have an immediate opportunity for a mid-level public affairs and strategic communications professional with strong issue advocacy, coalition building, issues management, writing, and project management skills. This experienced professional will join our growing Public Affairs practice in our Washington, D.C. office.

What we're looking for: The consummate "do it all" public affairs professional with a strong background in issues management. You are self-directed, proactive and driven to win for your clients every day. You create opportunities to drive the message and position issues leveraging the full spectrum of communications and engagement channels and tactics. You have experience leading teams and managing work streams while also serving in a key role on major projects. You have a desire to learn and grow - both across industries and communication mediums, such as traditional media, social/digital media, issues advocacy, and stakeholder communications. You know how to work with clients and have a positive, go-getter attitude that wins the confidence of clients and inspires teams. Political/campaign experience desired.

What we bring you: One of DC's best places to work and ranked the 2017 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report, with smart, fun colleagues and opportunities to work with people around the country and across the globe. Amazing in-house opinion research, creative and resources as part of your team. The chance to work on some of the hottest, most challenging issues of the day for leading companies and associations. An opportunity to shine, succeed and chart your course based on what you bring to the table not where you sit on the org chart.

Responsibilities:

• Support and implement a wide range of strategic communication and issue advocacy campaigns for our high profile, globally-recognized clients
• Provide the highest level of client service on a daily basis through proactive account management, serving as the key client contact while also managing staff (both senior and junior) to successfully maintain and grow client relationships
• Design and implement multi-faceted, integrated communications and issue campaigns to position client issues and priorities with key audiences that may include elected officials, media, consumers and external and internal stakeholders
• Create effective messages and produce and edit high-quality written deliverables, such as issue backgrounders, press materials, messaging toolkits, and social media content often under tight deadlines
• Develop compelling advocacy communications and content to convey complex policy issues to the general public
• 3-4 years of experience with coalition building and management efforts including stakeholder mapping, recruitment, engagement, and activation; state level advocacy engagement with field team management skills strongly preferred
• Take ownership of media relations efforts including cultivating relationships with media (national, state, and local), drafting op-eds and talking points, preparing clients for speaking opportunities, organizing press conferences, and more
• Proactively monitor developments in key client issue areas and flag opportunities for further client engagement
• Closely manage client budgets, ensuring that projects and corresponding staffing are within allotted budgets
• Participate in business development activities including writing proposals and developing pitch decks

Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of public affairs, strategic communications, issue advocacy campaign, earned media and/or political campaign experience.
• Experience with state and federal legislative and regulatory campaigns is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Solid project management experience, including overseeing a team and multiple deliverables and the ability to think quickly. A minimum of 3 years managing team members is required.
• Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and client initiatives and teams of both junior and senior colleagues in a fast-paced environment, including budget development and management
• Previous experience developing and supporting strategic communications (corporate or financial communications, issues management, internal communications, crisis communications, etc.) plans across various industries and subject areas (financial services, health care, food and consumer goods, technology, transportation, energy, etc.)
• Demonstrate exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills, including experience writing strategic plans, messaging and press materials and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines
• Experience participating in business development opportunities a plus - industry research, proposal development and drafting, staffing plan management and pitching
• Excellent client and interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client relationships and communicate effectively by phone, email, and in-person
• Well-versed in current events and headline news at local, national, and international levels

Compensation Range

The US base salary for this position ranges from $70,000/year to $100,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.

Careers at APCO

With our commitment to recruit, hire, promote and retain people who reflect the diverse communities in which we operate, APCO ensures our teams bring the best possible expertise and diverse perspectives to our clients. We embrace diversity of identity, experience and thought, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Us

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman's vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients' interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO's integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.