VP, PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

Weber Shandwick is seeking a Vice President to join its Public Affairs team to lead strategy and manage account teams supporting corporate, public sector, and non-profit clients navigating the intersection of business, politics, policy, and political culture. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional with deep expertise in policy, advocacy, and media relations. They will have a strong network in Washington, D.C., a track record of success in delivering public affairs campaigns, and the ability to lead a high-performing team. This role will be based in Washington, D.C. on a hybrid basis.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a trusted client advisor and senior account manager on public affairs, policy, and communications issues.  

• Develop and execute comprehensive public affairs campaigns that integrate media strategy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. 

• Provides timely analysis and recommendations on legislative, regulatory, and political developments that impact clients.

• Oversee the development of messaging, content, and advocacy materials that align with client objectives.

• Networks with reporters, policy influencers, and subject matter experts to advance client work. 

• Manage cross-functional teams, providing direction and guidance to ensure we deliver our best work and exceed client expectations.

• Serve as a thought leader to advance Weber Shandwick’s unique POV on pressing and complex public affairs briefs.  

• Identify new business opportunities and lead proposal development to expand the agency’s client base

• Create opportunities for team members to learn and grow – promoting and retaining a collaborative, inclusive work environment conducive to success.

• Provide oversight of budget, multi-agency and vendor contracting, timelines and reporting.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 10+ years related professional experience

Additional Qualifications – Success Factors

• 10+ years of relevant experience in public affairs or communications agencies, Capitol Hill, Executive Branch agencies, political campaigns, media, advocacy, or similar organizations. 

• Proven track record of managing complex client accounts and delivering successful advocacy and media campaigns.

• Excellent writing and verbal skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives. 

• A voracious consumer of news; closely follows national politics, public policy, and political culture. 

• Deep understanding of federal policymaking, political dynamics, and regulatory processes.

• A strong understanding of legacy and new media, ideally with strong media contacts and experience engaging media on crisis and long-lead stories. 

• Ability to lead and mobilize fast-paced, highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams.

• Strong network of contacts in government, media, and industry sectors.

• Strong organizational and critical thinking skills. 

• A fast learner who can quickly get up to speed on any public affairs topic.  

• Resilient mindset, deep curiosity, and a healthy sense of humor.

Washington D.C. Salary range: $119,000 - $155,000

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k (with employer match)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Juice Money - $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
• MyDays – Flexible holiday schedules
• Short-Term Disability
• Paid Employee Family Leave
• Family Building Benefit

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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