Strategic Communications Principal

SM+K is seeking a Public Affairs Principal specializing in integrated campaign management to join our team, where you will lead a diverse array of mid to large-size client accounts.
who you are

SM+K is seeking a Public Affairs Principal that values innovative ideas, professional growth, and creative solutions to tough challenges. A strong candidate is:

A creative strategist who can quickly analyze an issue, and mobilize a team around creative solutions
Comfortable applying a range of communications approaches – earned, paid, digital – capabilities and data insights into comprehensive public advocacy and reputation campaigns
An exceptionally organized project manager undaunted by balancing multiple priorities, objectives and task lists
Intellectually curious and seeks genuine understanding of forward-thinking objectives, strategies and all moving parts
An entrepreneur at heart and takes pride in delivering exceptional work products and client solutions
Excited to work on a diverse variety of projects which draw on an array of skills
Motivated and fulfilled by succeeding as a team
Understanding of the importance of establishing credibility and earning the trust of stakeholders vertically, laterally, internally and externally

what you’ll do

Serve as the account lead for a portfolio of clients across a range of sectors and issues directing day-to-day client interactions and strategy implementation
Oversee the development of strategic plans that integrate public relations, digital, social media, grassroots organizing, events and other innovative tactics
Work closely with our insights, creative, digital, and design teams to develop and execute cutting-edge campaign strategies that integrate media relations, opinion research, paid media, social media, stakeholder engagement, events, and other innovative tactics
Apply creative concept ideas to work products and manage creative teams in the development and production of messaging and content to support plans
Deliver regular work plans, account budgets and client updates to firm leadership
Manage campaign and insight reporting, both internally and externally, with an eye on improving and optimizing campaigns and providing transparency and accountability to our clients
Deliver regular work plans, account budgets, and client updates to firm leadership
Manage, mentor, and cultivate junior staff to deliver high quality work products and foster professional development
Aid in new business generation, and serve as the lead project manager on proposals and pitches

your experience

As a qualified candidate, you have experience in all areas below:

Quickly understand and analyze complex client challenges
Demonstrate a deep understanding of social, political, and economic issues
Clearly communicate strategies and tactics using compelling written and visual materials
Track record of managing teams, time-sensitive workplans and budgets in a highly organized and efficient fashion
Ability to build trust and relationships with clients and clearly communicate strategies and tactics
Strategically engage corporate executives, journalists, government officials and staff, advocates and other public affairs stakeholders

As an exceptional candidate, you possess many of the following attributes:

Excellent writing, research and presentation skills
7+ years of experience at an agency or newsroom or in public relations, corporate communications, government, and/or political campaigns
Subject matter expertise in at least one issue area or industry of focus for SM+K, including media and communications, campaign management, real estate and land use, labor, technology, education, energy & environment, health and life sciences, transportation & infrastructure, financial services, or law.
Fluency in standard practice digital communications strategies and tactics including paid media, organic social media, email/mobile campaigns, etc.
Understanding of reporting and application of analytics tools, and an eagerness to use in-house research tools to glean valuable campaign insights to ensure we are constantly optimizing.