Vice President, Public Affairs

Vice President, Public AffairsOptimal is hiring a Vice President, Public Affairs to further solidify Optimal as the leader in targeted advertising for progressive digital campaigns by growing our presence in the market.Optimal works hard to provide our clients with innovative solutions based on the diverse perspectives of our team. To that end, we're committed to recruiting team members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Optimal is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, national and ethnic origins, disabilities, marital status, veteran status and all backgrounds. Optimal job offers are contingent on the results of a background check.We're always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please applyAbout the PositionThe Vice President of Public Affairs leads strategic growth within the public affairs, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors. This executive-level role is responsible for shaping agency visibility in values-driven markets, cultivating long-term client relationships, and managing a team to expand mission-aligned business. The VP partners with senior leadership to guide pitch strategy, external presence, and revenue performance.Direct the agency's new business strategy in the advocacy and public affairs sectors.Oversee development of high-impact proposals, RFP responses, and pitch materials tailored to mission-driven audiences.Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, foundations, advocacy organizations, and aligned agency partners.Serve as lead executive on large-scale campaigns, policy initiatives, and coalition-based pitches.Guide internal strategy sessions to align offerings with public affairs market trends.Represent the agency at advocacy conferences, policy events, and values-aligned networking opportunities.Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure proposals reflect cultural competence, audience expertise, and equity principles.Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting, and performance analysis for the public affairs vertical.Oversee team reporting and ensure CRM accuracy for forecasting and performance tracking.Submit expense reports and timesheet approvals accurately and on time.Perform other duties as assigned.Our ideal candidate may also have extensive experience in some or all of the following:10+ years of experience in public affairs, campaign strategy, or mission-driven business development, preferredProven experience managing sales pipelines, securing high-value contracts, and scaling strategic client workDeep understanding of political, nonprofit, or foundation funding ecosystemsDemonstrated ability to lead teams and represent complex offerings externallyStrong writing, presentation, and relationship-building skillsFamiliarity with Salesforce or similar CRM toolsOptimal is proud to offer:Base salary that commensurates with experience with an opportunity for limitless earning potential via commissions.Open leave (paid time off)Paid leave for new parentsMedical, Dental, and Vision with Nationwide CoverageFlex Spending PlanEmployee Assistance Program401K with company matchingStudent Loan Repayment ProgramProfessional development opportunitiesRewards and recognition programsMobile phone & home internet reimbursement and much moreThis position will be based out of Washington, DC or New York. We work on a hybrid basis with many team members working entirely from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.To learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context, please visit our Notice to Applicants and Employees.