SVP, Public Affairs

Avōq; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 194,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid health insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) contributions

Hybrid work arrangements

Paid holidays

Winter break

Job summary

Avōq seeks a Senior Vice President, Public Affairs (SVP) to accelerate growth across diverse industries. The role can be based in Washington DC, New York, or Chicago. You will drive strategic communications, campaigns, and thought leadership while mentoring teams and pursuing new business opportunities.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years of advocacy experience, strong networks, and the ability to manage complex issues with creative solutions, while building senior client relationships.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience developing and leading large-scale reputation, communication, or advocacy efforts.
• Strong relationships with executives and communications professionals in the industry.
• Experience securing new business as part of a pitch team.

Responsibilities

• Generate and manage a $1–3M annual portfolio of business.
• Advise clients and lead teams in developing high-impact strategic communications campaigns.
• Develop and mentor team members and identify future Avōq leaders.
• Lead new business pitches, preparation, and delivery for winning client assignments.
• Provide actionable, insightful strategies and oversee budgets and work plans.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Communication skills

Budget management

Mentoring

Public affairs

Policy advocacy

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Vice President, Public Affairs (SVP) to accelerate our firm’s growth across a diverse grouping of industries, sectors and issues. This role can be based out of either our Washington D.C., New York or Chicago office.

WHO YOU ARE

A strong candidate:

• Is a proven strategic thinker, bringing an informed and innovative perspective to client challenges
• Has experience with political, policy, or corporate advocacy communications and campaigns, including experience with brand marketing, media planning and analytics, audience targeting, integrated marketing and thought leadership strategies
• Has an inherent new business mentality and knows how to leverage network to surface opportunities
• Has the judgement to assess opportunities and threats and provide actionable guidance to clients
• Inspires teams to prioritize, multi-task, and put forth exceptional efforts under pressure
• Emphasizes empowerment and growth of junior talent
• Is detail-oriented and a strong spoken and written communicator
• Able to manage complex issues with creative and effective solutions
• Is a proven trusted advisor to clients or principals and brings strong relationships with senior communications and media professionals, business, and political leaders
• Seen as a reliable problem solver
• Stays current and adaptable to the impact of changing political, policy, or media landscapes on communications strategy

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Generate and/or manage a $1-3M annual portfolio of business
• Advise clients and lead teams in the development of high-impact and measurable strategic communications and campaigns
• Develop and mentor team members and identify the next generation of Avoq leaders
• Lead new business pitches, preparation, and delivery for winning new client assignments
• Provide insightful strategies that are actionable and impactful
• Design and oversee client budgets and work plans

YOUR EXPERIENCE

As a qualified candidate, you have experience in all areas below:

• Effective at securing new business as a member of a pitch team
• Deep understanding of at least one business sector, issue, and/or policy or regulatory area and uses such expertise to raise the visibility of the firm externally (speaking opportunities, op-ed’s, white papers, thought leadership etc.)
• Leadership and management skills with teams and clients
• Directing the strategy and managing the relationship for a client, office, or principal
• Ability to manage time across multiple assignments and clients including new business opportunities
• Expertise at creating comprehensive communications strategies and solutions

As an exceptional candidate, you possess many of the following attributes:

• 12+ years of experience developing and leading large scale reputation, communication, or advocacy efforts
• Ability to navigate the rapidly shifting digital and data analytics landscape, and can creatively apply insights and emerging tools to client situations
• Ability to grow and expand client relationships and budgets
• Strong relationships with executives and communication professionals associated with an industry or sector of expertise

Avōq prides itself on the kind of innovation that is only achieved through inclusive collaboration and equal opportunity. Maintaining a diverse staff of first-class talent (including those from BIPOC, LGBTQ communities, and others from historically underrepresented groups), and conferring a sense of value and belonging on each team member is central to our mission as expert communicators and advocates.

The salary range for this role starts at $215,000

Benefits:

• 100% Company-paid Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) contributions
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements (4 days in office)
• 12 paid company holidays per year, up to 39 days individual paid time off
• Winter break: Offices close the last week of the year

Avōq also provides necessary assistance or modifications to the application process for prospective candidates. If you need support, please reach out to [e-mail] and include your full name and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.