Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications

Marathon Strategies, an independent communications and research firm, is looking for an energetic Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications with an entrepreneurial spirit. The Vice President will be responsible for implementing strategic communications programs on behalf of clients across a variety of different industries.

We are looking for a strong writer and a strategic thinker well-versed in New York politics – both NYC and NYS - who can help drive sophisticated public affairs and corporate communications campaigns. New York political fluency is a must – applicants without the requisite experience will not be considered.

The VP will create and implement strategic communications programs on behalf of clients across a variety of different industries. You will also have a network of relationships with New York and national media, possess excellent writing skills, and be resourceful, enthusiastic, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Working with high-profile political, nonprofit and corporate clients, the Vice President will:

Client Management

• Independently act as the key strategic lead and trusted advisor for at least 3-5 clients with little oversight.
• Serve as client relationship manager on communications issues and programs.
• Develop and oversees the implementation of strategic communication initiatives and programs.
• Manage client work plans, day-to-day management of timelines and deliverables.
• Drive internal and client communications, prep for client calls, meetings, etc. while providing regular updates to senior management.
• Manage client budgets and expenses including billable hours, time management of team and accounting invoicing
• Develop creative public affairs and communications strategies for clients
• Develop and implement an “action plan” for each client
• Work with top tier reporters and engage third parties during public affairs and corporate communications campaigns
• Where needed, plays a role in building and mobilizing coalitions
• Write and/or oversee the production of materials such as press releases, op-eds, reports, memos, and presentations
• Work with research, creative and digital to integrate services into public affairs and corporate communications plans
• Understanding of and experience working in and around government at all levels – national, state, and local

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
• Convert complex issues into compelling messages on behalf of clients
• Create 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.

• Lead project management/workflow as it pertains to his/her clients
• Create a climate which inspires team members to exceed expectations
• Manage 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.
• Direct account staff in execution of client deliverables and provides timely performance feedback.
• Mentor and develop talent at all levels, fostering high-performance culture

Media Relations

• Familiarity with reporters and media strategy in and around New York City and New York State politics and policy
• Experience conducting advocacy communications and media relations work in a major metro area in New York and/or at the state Capitol in Albany.

New Business Development

• Actively involved in pursuing and pitching new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with New Business team bringing ideas for future trends and issues.
• Accountable for identifying and executing upsell opportunities within portfolio of clients
• Collaborate with specialty practice areas (Digital, Creative, Research) to develop upsell pitches for clients.

Job Requirements

• 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: creating and leading strategic communication programs for companies in the private and public sector.
• Verbal & Written Communications Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills such that they are able to deal with executive leaders and clients independently
• Proactive: Keep a finger on the pulse of the news cycle and ensure account teams are up to speed. Lead in generating proactive action items that advance the clients’ business or organizational skills.
• Stakeholder Management: Prioritize managing all account stakeholders of project directions, objectives, and progress. Strong influencing skills and the ability to drive changes across organization. Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with business leadership, peers, and employees
• Financial Management: Strong project management skillset, ability to establish multiple project plan timelines, milestones and execute them on time and within budget.
• Attention To Detail: Each assignment should be shared in a client-ready format, including no formatting inconsistencies, grammar mistakes, and spelling errors.
• Professionalism/Dependability: Consistently meet 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.