The Impact You Will MakeWe are seeking a seasoned, outcomes-driven Managing Director to lead and expand our Digital Communications practice across a portfolio of high-stakes public affairs clients. This is a leadership role for a proven professional who can operate at the intersection of technology, business, politics, and public policy, combining strategic digital consulting rigor with the speed, agility, and experimentation of a modern digital campaign. This role reports to a Partner.
The Managing Director oversees complex, multi-channel digital programs and drives agency growth by managing a client portfolio averaging $2M+ in annual net revenue, shaping the agency's digital strategy, and contributing to culture, talent development, and retention. They are also responsible for leading digital-centric new business efforts and serving as a visible external thought leader in technology and digital communications.
This role requires a unique blend of high-level digital strategy, senior client counsel, team leadership, and business development, all grounded in deep expertise within the corporate sector.
- Location: Expectation to work from our NYC, DC, Chi, SF or LA office at least 3x a week
- Salary: Starting range of $200,000
RequirementsWhat Day to Day Looks Like1. Client & Account Leadership- Serve as a senior strategic advisor to Partners and Executive Leadership across a portfolio of high-impact accounts, helping shape client vision, long-term strategy, and integrated digital communications programs.
- Act as the primary senior relationship owner, engaging directly with C-suite and executive-level decision-makers to guide direction, anticipate needs, and ensure flawless delivery of high-stakes digital and strategic communications work.
- Drive high-level strategic development, including narrative, messaging, digital campaign architecture, and multi platform content strategy-while providing rigorous review, direction, and approval across all deliverables (memos, briefs, digital assets, presentations, paid social, etc.).
- Stay deeply informed on real-time political, cultural, policy, and technology developments, proactively translating fast-moving shifts into actionable recommendations and strategic pivots for clients.
2. Team Leadership & Operational Excellence- Lead, grow, and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary team, developing future agency leaders through structured coaching, real-time feedback, and long-term career path planning.
- Set and uphold the standard for operational excellence, ensuring teams consistently deliver high-quality, strategic work on time, under budget, and aligned with client priorities.
- Foster a culture of collaboration across offices and departments, breaking down silos and driving seamless integration across digital, creative, strategy, public affairs, and analytics teams.
- Model clear, transparent communication and empower teams with the context and guidance they need to excel in a fast-paced client environment.
3. New Business & Market Growth- Partner with senior leadership to originate, shape, and close major new business opportunities, leading strategy development, proposal creation, and pitch delivery for complex digital and communications programs.
- Strengthen and expand the agency's client base, maintaining strong relationships with existing clients while identifying, cultivating, and converting new prospects.
- Independently lead proposal development, producing high-quality pitch materials, strategic frameworks, and scopes of work with minimal oversight.
- Build the agency's market presence and credibility by cultivating senior industry relationships, representing the firm at key events, and elevating your external profile.
- Contribute to the agency's intellectual capital, developing case studies, thought leadership, POVs, and other content that advances the agency's reputation in digital communications and positions you as a recognized industry expert.
- Help attract top talent by identifying, engaging, and recruiting leaders who can strengthen the agency's capabilities and culture.
Benefits- 15+ years of progressive, senior experience in communications, public affairs, and a leadership role at an integrated agency or consulting firm.
- Deep and demonstrated expertise in advising executive-level clients within the Corporate sector on high-stakes corporate reputation and policy challenges.
- Proven ability to manage and grow a multi-million-dollar client portfolio (on track to manage over $2-3M in annual net revenue), including responsibility for profitability and revenue targets.
- A track record of success in new business acquisition and leading large, complex pitch processes.
- Exceptional executive-level communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or technical details into compelling, high-impact narratives.
- Must be deeply knowledgeable about the current political, media, and cultural landscape, with experience running integrated campaigns (combining earned, owned, and paid media).
