Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior strategic counselor to clients, providing executive-level communications guidance and helping institutions navigate complex reputational, policy and industry challenges
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns that leverage public affairs, earned media, social and digital tactics to reach key audiences and achieve client goals
• Directly manage and mentor staff and provide overall strategic direction and feedback for their development and client work
• Hold the pen on drafting high level materials including strategy decks, communications plans, messaging and op-eds
• Collaborate closely with the management team to develop and inspire our team of strategists to be innovative and creative
• Serve as a key voice in new business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals and participating in pitches and client growth conversations

Requirements

• 11+ years of relevant strategic communications experience, including experience in PR agencies, higher education communications, public affairs, nonprofit, corporate communications, or related environments
• PR agency experience strongly preferred, including demonstrated client management skills and strong business acumen
• Is an avid consumer of news, with a strong news sense and knowledge of the media and experience engaging and maintaining strong relationships with key reporters covering the top issues of the day
• Experience engaging with media for both rapid response and long-lead stories
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Experience managing, prepping and staffing high-touch principals or organizational leaders
• Ability to multi-task easily, including handling multiple assignments at once, working quickly and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment while paying close attention to details
• Enjoys managing people and has experience in successfully motivating, leading and mentoring a diverse team to meet objectives
• Strong business development skills, including experience growing client relationships, contributing to pitches and identifying new opportunities