Arena Careers

Role

We are seeking an SVP to join our Public Affairs sector. This role is designed for an experienced strategist who can effectively manage client communication at high-levels and strategic needs for the account. The SVP will support senior sector leadership in managing key client relationships and stakeholders, while overseeing campaign strategy and deliverables. Senior-level candidates will additionally provide strategic leadership across the sector, mentor and manage staff, and drive business development pitches and initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, anticipates challenges before they arise, and consistently delivers strategic, innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

Client Support & Strategy

• Serve as a primary senior point of contact for clients, owning key relationships and driving strategic direction at the account level.
• Translate complex client objectives into integrated strategies and oversee end-to-end execution across teams.
• Lead client presentations, strategy sessions, and high-stakes reporting with authority and foresight.
• Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to deepen client engagements, expand scope, and grow revenue through new initiatives, forecasts, and long-term planning.

Project & Team Management

• Oversee execution of client portfolios, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards, strategic intent, and deadlines.
• Mentor, manage, and develop deputy directors, associates, and junior staff, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Drive resource allocation decisions across projects and service teams to maximize efficiency, impact, and team capacity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead coordination across internal service teams, including creative, paid media, digital advocacy, and communications, to deliver cohesive and high-impact integrated campaigns.
• Serve as a senior partner to external collaborators, including state lobby teams, PR agencies, and coalition partners, to advance client priorities at the highest levels.

Budget Oversight & Resource Planning

• Own project budgets, ensuring disciplined resource allocation, accurate client reporting, and financial accountability.
• Anticipate future operational and strategic needs and help design scalable systems to support client growth.

Business Development

• Contribute to and lead new business pitches, proposals, and sector growth initiatives alongside senior leadership.
• Identify and cultivate prospective client opportunities that align with the firm’s strategic priorities.

Content & Communications

• Provide senior-level leadership on messaging, campaign strategy, and rapid response efforts across client accounts.
• Guide development of high-quality client-facing materials including memos, reports, decks, and strategic communications.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in public affairs, issue advocacy, communications, or client services roles.

• Strong track record managing client relationships and delivering measurable results.
• Proven track record managing and growing complex client relationships at a strategic level, with measurable results.
• Deep experience leading integrated, multi-channel campaigns across digital, communications, and advocacy platforms.
• Strong command of budget management, forecasting, and resource planning at a portfolio level.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with polished presentation and client-facing skills at the executive level.
• Senior strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate challenges, balance long-term planning with rapid response execution, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Significant experience with digital advocacy, paid media, or political campaigns strongly preferred.
• Comfortable leading in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, with the flexibility and presence expected at the SVP/VP level.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $140,000-$190,000

Benefits: Assemble offers a wide range of progressive benefits, including:
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) program with an employer match
Flexible vacation and time off policy
Monthly phone reimbursement
Unlimited sick time
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Health and wellness reimbursement
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Childcare stipend for work travel

Location

Hybrid role in Washington D.C. or New York City. Remote available for the right candidate.

To Apply

Send an email with attached resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Senior Vice President, Public Affairs” in the subject line.