Account Director, Public Affairs

RH Strategic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

PTO + holidays

401(k) match

Transportation subsidy

Job summary

RH Strategic in Washington, DC is seeking an Account Director, Public Affairs to lead integrated public affairs strategies, counsel clients across policy environments, and guide campaigns at the national level.

The role requires 8-10 years of policy/public affairs experience, in-office presence three days per week, and residency in the DMV area. This is a full-time, Washington-based opportunity with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of policy, public affairs and/or policy communications experience with a demonstrated ability to operate in high-impact environments.
• Proven ability to design and execute strategic public affairs campaigns that advance client objectives and influence policy outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage internal teams, clients, media, external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated public affairs strategies and campaigns that shape policy outcomes – leveraging media, digital platforms, events, and partnerships with coalitions, trade associations, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.
• Drive high-impact policy communications by crafting materials such as executive messaging, op-eds, testimony, and strategic briefing documents that influence key stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on the evolving policy landscape, translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable insights and proactive strategies for clients.
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, particularly their government relations teams.
• Guide internal teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality campaigns that advance client objectives.
• Represent RH Strategic & clients within influential D.C. networks, industry events, and community gatherings to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships, expand the firm’s presence, and continue to build your own professional network.
• Mentor junior team members, fostering an environment of strategic thinking and professional growth.

Skills

Policy communications

Public affairs campaigns

Strategic thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Job description

About Us

RH Strategic is a well-established public relations agency with a robust client portfolio across technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, government, sustainability, and education industries. Since our founding in 2008, we’ve worked with leaders reshaping the world we’ll hand to future generations. We understand the assignment: Make their stories impossible to ignore.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Account Director, Public Affairs to join RH Strategic in Washington, D.C. This role is designed for professionals who thrive at the crossroads of policy and communications. The Account Director will collaborate with and counsel clients across D.C.’s dynamic policy environment with a focus on technology, labor, and healthcare. If you’re passionate about helping organizations navigate and influence some of today’s most critical policy conversations while managing their reputation at the national level, this is a job for you.

This is a full-time role based in Washington, D.C., requiring an in-office presence of at least three days per week. To be qualified, candidates must currently reside in the DMV metro area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated public affairs strategies and campaigns that shape policy outcomes – leveraging media, digital platforms, events, and partnerships with coalitions, trade associations, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.
• Drive high-impact policy communications by crafting compelling materials such as executive messaging, op-eds, testimony, and strategic briefing documents that influence key stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on the evolving policy landscape, translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable insights and proactive strategies for clients.
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, particularly their government relations teams.
• Guide internal teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality campaigns that advance client objectives.
• Represent RH Strategic & clients within influential D.C. networks, industry events, and community gatherings to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships, expand the firm’s presence, and continue to build your own professional network.
• Mentor junior team members, fostering an environment of strategic thinking and professional growth.

Basic Qualifications

• 8-10 years of policy, public affairs and/or policy communications experience with a demonstrated ability to operate in high-impact environments.
  • We are open to leveling this role based on experience. Candidates with 8-10 years of experience will be considered for the Account Director title, while candidates with 6-7 years of experience may be considered for the Account Supervisor level.
• Proven ability to design and execute strategic public affairs campaigns that advance client objectives and influence policy outcomes.
• Strong track record of managing complex, fast-paced priorities, consistently delivering high-quality work under tight timelines.
• Experience developing audience-specific content, including congressional testimony, executive reporting materials, blogs and bylines, and policy messaging and briefings.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage internal teams, clients, media, external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated agility in incorporating feedback, paired with curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth.
• Highly proactive, detail-oriented, and ability to anticipate needs in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Capitol Hill experience, including at least two years working for a Member of Congress or a committee, or the White House. A strong understanding of the legislative process, congressional leaders, and executive branch agencies.
• Experience advocating on behalf of corporations, associations, or government entities to shape policy outcomes.
• Experience in a D.C. based public affairs, communications agency or lobbying firm, or within corporate government relations/communications functions.
• A strategic and creative thinker who brings fresh approaches and innovative ideas to client challenges.
• Demonstrated interest and familiarity in policy issues, particularly across sectors such as technology, labor, or healthcare.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: $90,000-$135,000 annually.

This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. The Company may, in its discretion, also offer an annual bonus in an amount, if any, to be determined by the Company. Bonuses are not guaranteed.

Benefits

For this role, the Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Insurance: 100% paid base premium for the employee’s medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurances.
• Transportation Subsidy: $100 per month.
• Paid Time Off: 16 days of annual PTO, 12 firm holidays, 1 floating day off, and 1 paid day of service.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with automatic, fully vested match.
• Stipends: Professional development and wellness.

RH Strategic is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We will not be able to respond to every submission. No calls, recruiters, or offers for contract work, please.