SVP, Public Affairs

Jobtailor; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 193,500 - 236,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-paid Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) contributions

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

12 paid company holidays per year

Up to 39 days individual paid time off

Winter break: Offices close the last week of the year

Job summary

Avōq is actively seeking a Senior Vice President, Public Affairs to drive the firm's growth across diverse sectors. This role requires a strategic thinker with proven political advocacy experience and strong client relationship skills.

The ideal candidate will manage a business portfolio of $1-3M, lead high-impact communications campaigns, and inspire a high-performing team. A comprehensive benefits package includes 100% company-paid health insurance, flexible work arrangements, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in reputation, communication, or advocacy efforts.
• Expertise in securing new business and managing client relationships.
• Ability to develop comprehensive communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a $1-3M annual portfolio of business.
• Lead teams in the development of strategic communications.
• Mentor team members and identify future leaders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Political communications

Media planning

Leadership

Problem solving

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 impactful
• Design and oversee client budgets and work plans

Requirements

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. If you identify with this profile but don’t quite meet all of the criteria we strongly encourage you to apply to joining our winning team!

Benefits

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.