Associate Director, Client Partnerships (Local Advocacy & Public Affairs)
About The Position
Axios is hiring an Associate Director, Client Partnerships to join its growing Public Affairs advertising team, focused on expanding Axios' state and local advocacy business. The role reports to the Head of Public Affairs, Client Partnerships and drives revenue by building partnerships with advocacy organizations, political and public affairs agencies, trade associations, coalitions, and other policy-driven entities seeking to influence state and local communities. The Associate Director will expand Axios' presence in the state and local advocacy advertising market by leveraging Axios Local and the company's broader portfolio of advertising, custom content, and event solutions. This is a high-energy, business development-focused role that calls for an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong hunting mentality, knowledge of state and local politics and advocacy advertising, and the ability to translate client priorities into effective media partnerships. The position is remote-optional, includes travel to priority markets and industry events, and offers salary plus incremental variable compensation tied to sales targets.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of experience in advertising sales, digital media, campaigns, political advertising, public affairs, or agency business development at the state level.
- Existing relationships with state-level political and public affairs agencies, advocacy organizations, trade associations, or other entities investing in state and local issue campaigns.
- Strong understanding of the state legislative landscape, ballot initiative campaigns, and state and local advocacy advertising.
- Proven experience in outbound sales, new business development, and managing the full sales cycle.
- Experience developing multi-market advertising campaigns or selling local and regional media.
- Familiarity with digital advertising, media planning, audience targeting, and integrated marketing solutions.
- Ability to identify business opportunities around legislative sessions, elections, ballot measures, and other policy-driven moments.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to collaborate across teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel to priority markets and attend relevant industry events.
- Track record of successfully meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
Responsibilities
- Identify, prospect, and secure advertising partnerships with organizations investing in state-level public affairs, issue advocacy, ballot initiatives, and legislative campaigns.
- Develop and maintain relationships with political and public affairs agencies, trade associations, advocacy organizations, corporate government affairs teams, coalitions, and other stakeholders managing state and local advocacy budgets.
- Identify priority markets, legislative calendars, ballot initiatives, and emerging policy issues that create opportunities for Axios advertising partnerships.
- Develop strategic advertising programs with clients and agencies using Axios Local newsletters, digital advertising, custom content, and experiential opportunities.
- Represent Axios at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build the company's market presence.
- Lead prospecting, discovery, proposals, negotiations, and closing, while developing long-term relationships that create repeat business.
- Partner with Axios Local, integrated marketing, advertising operations, and other internal stakeholders to develop and execute client campaigns.
- Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline, identify growth opportunities, and achieve individual revenue targets.
Benefits
- 401(k) with employer match
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and High Deductible health insurance options
- Employer Health Savings Account contribution for the high deductible health plan option
- Dental and vision coverage
- 12 weeks of paid primary caregiver leave
- Generous vacation policy and holidays
- One mental health day per quarter
- Annual learning and development stipend
- $100 monthly work-from-home stipend
- Tele-mental health services through Headspace
- OneMedical membership, including tele-health services
- Personal health advocacy resources through HealthAdvocate
- Fertility, hormonal health, and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility
- Access to the Axios Employee Support Fund for financial support during hardship or emergencies
- Increased work flexibility for parents and caretakers
- Virtual company-sponsored social events
- A strong and positive work environment
- An open, inclusive, and diverse work culture
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
