Director, Strategic Communications and Advisory

Breakwater Strategy • Washington, DC

1d • $120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Breakwater Strategy is seeking an experienced strategic communications professional to join its growing team of strategists. The Director serves as a key client contact and strategic advisor across multiple industries, including energy and emerging technology, and helps account teams and clients develop and execute communications strategies that achieve business objectives. The role suits a growing leader with experience in media strategy and tactical execution who is advancing into senior strategic thinking and counsel. The Director works in a fast-paced environment, cultivates relationships with reporters, monitors news and policy developments affecting clients, and exercises sound judgment in crises and other critical situations.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public policy, or management consulting.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Resourcefulness and creativity when facing challenges and roadblocks.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail and precision.
• Demonstrated experience leading client relationships and managing multiple engagements.
• Developing authority as a generalist across project types or within a sector, practice area, or type of work.
• Consistently good judgment, professional maturity, and confidence offering candid, well-reasoned counsel.
• Commitment to continuous learning, including pursuing skills or experience that add value for clients.
• Ability to manage up and down effectively and lead teams by example.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to fostering a supportive team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous agency experience.
• Experience in media strategy and tactical execution, ideally in an agency setting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as co-lead on clients and projects, regularly managing client relationships and tactical execution.
• Deliver strategic insights and advice to clients independently and alongside VPs, MDs, and Partners.
• Oversee timely, precise production of client deliverables; anticipate next steps and communicate them to teams.
• Develop and execute strategic communications plans, messaging frameworks, media strategies, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Build, maintain, and grow relationships with relevant reporters and media contacts.
• Proactively identify and respond to client needs, taking ownership and accountability for deliverables.
• Monitor daily social, political, and economic news for developments that may affect clients, and share relevant insights with client teams.
• Craft persuasive messaging and press materials that simplify complex legislative, regulatory, or business issues for media audiences.
• Mentor and coach junior staff, supporting their professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director