Associate Director, Public Affairs

We have an immediate opportunity for an experienced international public affairs professional with strong expertise in policy analysis and advocacy, issues management, stakeholder engagement, client relationship development and project management. You will lead high-stakes client projects, manage key business relationships, develop and secure new client accounts, and supervise and mentor team members. 

You will be based in Washington, D.C. and bring a mixture of global perspectives and inside-the-beltway experience and networks to your work. You are self-directed, proactive and motivated to create value for APCO, your colleagues, and your clients every day. You are adept at engaging your network and resources to analyze complex situations; developing and delivering compelling solutions; responding with agility to fast-moving situations; identifying engagement opportunities on relevant issues; and leveraging the full spectrum of corporate affairs and communication channels and tactics.  

You have experience leading project teams and managing work streams while also serving in a key role on major projects.  

You are inclusive and empathetic and have a desire to learn and grow – both across industries and the broad corporate affairs field, including in geopolitical advisory, issues advocacy, grassroots campaigns, crisis management, and stakeholder communications. You know how to work with executive-level clients and their teams, and have a positive, go-getter attitude that wins the confidence of clients, inspires teams and delivers results.   

Responsibilities: 

• Lead a wide range of advisory, research, communication, and stakeholder engagement work for high-profile, globally recognized clients. 

• Manage, nurture, and grow client relationships, overseeing client projects, supervising project teams, allocating resources, and effectively delegating tasks. 

• Provide consistently high levels of client service through proactive account management, serving as a key contact to maintain and grow client relationships. 

• Implement comprehensive public affairs, communications, and policy advocacy strategies to address client issues and support their growth objectives. 

• Gather intelligence and develop insights on issues relevant to existing and prospective clients to enhance relationships and support business growth. 

Qualifications: 

• At least 6 years of related experience in international public affairs, U.S. public policy initiatives, or political/stakeholder campaigns. 

• Exceptional presentation, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines. 

• Solid project management experience, including leading major accounts and overseeing successful project teams. 

• Demonstrated success in formulating and leading strategic engagements with external stakeholders. 

• Ability to translate technical policy and regulatory issues for a business audience. 

• Experience working in corporate consulting or counseling roles is preferred.   

• Knowledge of and/or experience in international markets is an advantage, particularly in The Gulf, China, Japan or India. 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.

What we bring you:   

APCO is an award-winning advisory and advocacy firm that is recognized for its leadership in helping clients navigate high-stakes issues by applying integrated public affairs and communication solutions.  Our team includes smart, fun and collaborative colleagues who come from diverse backgrounds and who share our values of curiosity, empathy, boldness and inclusivity. Our team members thrive on opportunities to work with people around the country and across the globe.  They also frequently leverage our world-class in-house opinion research, creative resources, and digital capabilities. More than anything, we are united by embracing the chance to work on some of the most interesting and challenging issues of the day for clients from the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors.   

Compensation Range: 

The US base salary for this position ranges from $90,000/year to $120,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location. 

Careers at APCO 

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. 

EOE M/F/V/D