SVP, Public Affairs

Avōq; New York (NY); On-site; USD 194,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-paid Medical, Dental and 

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) contributions

Hybrid work arrangements (4 days in оф

12 paid company holidays per year

Winter break

Job summary

Avōq seeks a Senior Vice President, Public Affairs (SVP) to accelerate growth across diverse industries. This role can be based in Washington D.C., New York, or Chicago, leading strategic communications and campaigns for high-profile clients and shaping reputational programs.

You will generate and manage a $1–3M portfolio, advise clients, mentor teams, and drive new business opportunities. The position requires senior leadership and a collaborative, data-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• 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 creatively apply insights 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.

Responsibilities

• Generate and 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 Avōq 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.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Public affairs / policy communications

New business development

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Industry networking

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

• 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 impactfull>
• 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

Candidates need not possess every attribute listed above to qualify for a role.

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

We offer a uniquely rich benefits package to support our team’s quality of life outside of work that includes:

• 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.