Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs

• Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact and relationship owner across multiple accounts acting as a trusted and readily available partner who provides timely counsel and consistent communication.
• Lead strategic communications planning initiatives that incorporate traditional and digital communications channels and platforms as well as grassroots/grasstops components.
• Maintain and actively cultivate a deep bench of relationships with national Beltway and trade reporters across beats relevant to client portfolios; leverage those relationships to drive coverage and advance client objectives.
• Manage multifaceted projects that have numerous components frequent deadlines and high stakes.
• Oversee quality control of project deliverables to GSG standards with minimal input or revisions from Partners.
• Create and manage budgets; monitor utilization of team members to ensure effective and efficient application of firm resources.
• Work with senior practitioners across the firm on business planning and new business development. This includes creating pitch presentations and proposals as well as supporting lead generation and networking.
• Oversee the professional development and mentorship of direct reports junior staff and project teams working with GSG leadership on team structure and assignments in line with staffs strengths and weaknesses.
• Represent GSG at relevant conferences and events network with industry leaders clients and prospective clients and seek appropriate thought leadership and speaking opportunities.
• Play an active role in recruiting talent for the team.
• Periodically serve in a leadership role on firm-wide projects/initiatives.

Experience

• 10 years of experience in media relations and strategic communications with a focus on public affairs in government corporate advocacy journalism or agency environments.
• Demonstrated existing relationships with key journalists across national Beltway and trade outlets with a proven ability to place stories manage embargoes and navigate difficult media situations on behalf of high-profile clients.
• Proven track record managing strategic communications efforts on behalf of high-profile individuals elected officials or prominent advocacy organizations.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience as former Congressional or Administration staffers. Additional valuable experience includes:
  • Working in public affairs/communications roles within trade associations nonprofits think tanks or advocacy organizations.
  • Experience managing engagements with a diverse range of clients.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute messaging strategies targeted at key Beltway stakeholders policymakers media and opinion leaders.
• Expertise in managing crisis situations with significant public policy government affairs or legal implications.
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments while maintaining high quality work product and careful attention to detail.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual abilities are a plus.
• Deep experience and understanding of the digital content landscape is a plus.

Work Style

• A great collaborator and also able to work independently.
• Proactive and supportive of colleagues.
• Comfortable with technology and learning new programs/systems.
• Enjoys the work and helps keep things fun while getting the job done.