Marathon Strategies, an independent communications and research firm, is looking for an seasoned Account Director, with previous agency, Capitol Hill, political, or media experience. This role will help drive and execute public affairs and communications initiatives for a diverse portfolio of corporate, nonprofit, association, and advocacy clients. This position will be 1 – 2 days hybrid based out of the firm’s DC office. Candidates should be based in the DC Metro area.

We are looking for a policy communications pro with strong media relationships, writing skills, and, ideally, previous client management experience. The ideal candidate is strategic thinker who is well-versed in media, policy, and politics who can help drive sophisticated public affairs and corporate communications campaigns. You will have worked in a public affairs or public relations agency, news organization, political campaign, government, or industry association. You will also have a network of relationships with national media, possess excellent writing skills, and be resourceful, enthusiastic and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Public Affairs in DC, the Director is responsible for implementing and supporting strategic communications programs on behalf of clients across a variety of different industries.

Responsibilities:

Client Management

• Independently acts as the key day-to-day point of contact and strategic lead for assigned clients.
• Implements strategic communication initiatives and programs
• Develops client work plans and ensures in the day-to-day management of timelines and deliverables
• Prepares initial versions of internal and client communications, prep for client calls, meetings, etc while providing regular updates to senior management
• Understands environment in which clients operate

Content Development: Oversee and guide the content and production of a wide range of materials such as press releases, op-eds, reports, memos, briefing books, and presentations. Ensuring compelling, accurate and error-free content from you and your team. Specifically, this includes, but is not limited to:

• Error-proof communication materials such as memos, strategies, PowerPoint presentations, press releases, talking points, opinion editorials and speeches
• Converts complex issues into compelling messages on behalf of clients
• Creates original and creative angles to explain problems
• Write and edit digital materials, including websites, e-mails, ads, social media copy and interactive materials

Team Management: Lead a project team of cross functional professionals with the ability to influence and lead others without having management authority.

• Leads project management/workflow as it pertains to his/her clients
• Create a climate which inspires team members to exceed expectations
• Manages across all levels and is comfortable with senior leaders.
• Collaborate with specialty practice areas (Digital, Creative, Research) and projects for clients beyond the communications scope.

Media & Social Monitoring: Oversee the analysis of the news and social media environment. This activity should inform strategic thinking and recommendations around media collateral, media lists, potential recommendations, etc.

Media Engagement: Proactively identify and build meaningful relationships with reporters. Specifically, this includes, but is not limited to:

• Media Relations: Fluent in media relations outreach strategies and tactics, including reporter relationship building, pitching, and interview staffing
• Media/Stakeholder Lists: Guide communications associate(s) in building targeted media and stakeholder lists to inform communications and outreach strategies.
• Media/Stakeholder Relationships: Develop and cultivate a wide network of media and stakeholder relationships. Foster at least 1 new media relationship per quarter on behalf of your clients and identify opportunities for other teams as they arise.
• Media Materials & Pitches:
• Experience developing media relations materials, including reporter briefings, press releases, and pitches
• Develop and pitch original story ideas to a diverse range of media. Support communications associates in developing pitches. Ensure that each story pitch is not only well written but is also grounded in meaningful datapoints and insights.

New Business Development

• Contribute to new business proposals and presentations.
• Provides strategic direction and input when requested.
• Developing or emerging business acumen to apply to new business opportunities.
• Start to develop new business skills and seek out opportunities when possible.
• Collaborate with specialty practice areas (Digital, Creative, Research) to develop upsell pitches for clients.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 7-10 years’ experience in communications role in an in-house or consultancy environment
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Communications Experience: Implementing strategic communication programs for companies, organizations, and/or elected officials. Possess a range of media relationships while being creative, energetic, and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit
• Verbal communication skills: Clearly and confidently conveying messages, actively listening, and adapting tone to the audience.
• Creative, energetic, detail-oriented and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit
• Proactive: Familiarity with keeping a finger on the pulse of the news cycle to come to internal and client calls with proactive ideas in real time. Not shying away from raising your hand to take on assignments and support each of your client teams where needed.
• Managing Up: Ability to manage up, letting stakeholders know the status of projects to take personal ownership over timelines and delivery of work products.
• Attention To Detail: Creating client-ready, error-free assignments. Professionalism/Dependability: Consistently meeting agreed-upon deadlines and demonstrate effective follow-through on short- and long-term tasks. Willing to work overtime when necessary and maintain client confidentiality.
• Personal Accountability: Demonstrates accountability for work, takes ownership of projects/workstreams, and asks for and incorporates feedback.