Managing Director

Arc Initiatives • Washington, DC

2d • $220,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Arc Initiatives is seeking a Managing Director to lead its core public affairs and communications consulting practice. The role joins the executive team and runs the practice day to day, working closely with the partners on strategy, clients, and growth. The Managing Director will own the consulting team’s performance and growth, establish management systems and accountability, align teams around priorities, and lead business development. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a visible, in-person presence for staff and clients. The role supports experienced practitioners, coaches emerging talent, and helps the organization build capabilities as it grows. Compensation is heavily performance-based, with a bonus tied to firm goals.

Requirements

• Typically 15 or more years of experience in political consulting, campaigns, government, advocacy, or public affairs, including significant experience leading teams and running an organization, practice, or department.
• Senior operational and political experience, such as serving as chief of staff on a major campaign or in government, holding a senior role at a party committee or campaign headquarters, or leading at a lobbying or public affairs firm.
• A record of managing senior professionals and building high-performing organizations.
• Experience winning business and growing senior client relationships.
• Experience managing budgets, revenue goals, and staffing decisions.
• Strong consulting instincts and a clear understanding of how a consulting business generates revenue.
• Deep commitment to progressive causes.
• Understanding of campaign, communications, and advocacy tactics, including paid media and creative, digital, creator and influencer programs, public affairs, and lobbying.
• Strength in organizational structure, team management, accountability, and systems.
• Willingness to work in Arc’s DC office Monday through Thursday and some Fridays.

Responsibilities

• Translate firm priorities into plans, goals, and clear ownership; run recurring all-staff meetings and advise on strategy, staffing, and growth.
• Own consulting team performance, including revenue and new business goals, client retention, and delivery of client contracts.
• Manage the business development pipeline, build relationships, sharpen pitches, and close new work alongside the partners.
• Define roles, reporting lines, expectations, and performance management across the consulting team.
• Identify future capabilities the firm needs and determine whether to develop them through hiring, staff development, or partnerships.
• Establish management rhythms and reporting, including marketing and business development reporting, and present results to the partners and executive team.
• Serve as a senior strategist when clients or teams face difficult problems, manage a select group of client relationships, and introduce new tools and tactics.
• Support and develop experienced and emerging managers and help them deliver on team and business goals.

Benefits

• Performance bonus tied to firm goals, including revenue, new business, and team leadership.
• Health coverage with CareFirst PPO, 80% employer-paid.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4%.
• FSA with a $500 employer contribution.
• Cell phone reimbursement up to $150 per month.
• Paid leave, medical days, and paid parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed