Managing Director, Digital Strategy

Bully Pulpit International•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Bully Pulpit International is seeking a seasoned, outcomes-driven Managing Director to lead and expand its 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.

Requirements

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).

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.