Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Bully Pulpit International•Washington, DC

1d•$110,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Bully Pulpit International is seeking a Senior Director, Strategic Communications to serve as the primary bridge between agency leadership and client success. The Senior Director will directly lead client relationships and oversee accounts throughout their lifecycle, from new-business pitches through final reporting. This player-coach role combines political and communications judgment, creative storytelling, and project-management precision. The role calls for someone who can translate client needs into actionable strategy, work effectively in ambiguous environments, and proactively identify opportunities for client engagement by monitoring relevant issue areas. The Senior Director will provide strategic counsel to senior client decision-makers; set and oversee earned- and owned-media campaign strategy; and coordinate delivery across teams such as media planning, media buying, creative, measurement, and data insights. The role also oversees high-stakes written materials and media relations, manages workflows across offices, coaches or directly manages junior staff, and partners with agency leadership on new-business proposals and account growth. The position is expected to be based in one of the agency’s offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, or Los Angeles at least three days per week. The starting salary range is $110,000–$160,000, plus an annual bonus.

Requirements

8–10+ years of experience in public affairs, public relations, or strategic communications.
Mastery of AP Style and ability to shift between creative storytelling and analytical strategic reporting.
Proficiency with media-monitoring software such as Cision or Meltwater and with social media marketing platforms.
Demonstrated ability to manage deliverables across multiple clients and lead cross-functional teams with minimal oversight.
Ability to remain calm and provide real-time recommendations in high-pressure, tight-timeline situations.

Nice To Haves

Agency or political background is preferred.
Existing reporter relationships.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for senior-level client decision-makers and provide real-time strategic counsel.
Set strategy for and oversee the execution of earned- and owned-media campaigns aligned with clients’ long-term goals.
Coordinate projects across multidisciplinary service teams, including media planning, media buying, creative, measurement, and data insights.
Oversee the development of strategic memos, communications plans, press releases, op-eds, and social media content.
Develop proactive earned-media strategies and use reporter relationships to place stories on key issues.
Manage teams across offices to ensure quality and adherence to deadlines.
Coach and/or directly manage junior staff, provide feedback, and support their professional development.
Partner with agency leadership to identify, draft, and present proposals for new-business opportunities.
Grow existing accounts and build trust with prospective clients through pitch decks and presentations.
Monitor client issue areas and proactively identify opportunities for engagement.