Senior Vice President

Our client is a fast-growing, public affairs firm with offices in Southern California, that is known for providing excellent client strategy and delivering impactful public affairs campaigns that drive local, regional and statewide economic development.

As the agency continues its rapid growth, they are seeking a dynamic, strategic and hands-on Senior Vice President to join the leadership team to oversee overall program execution across all clients.

Role Overview

The Senior Vice President will lead client relations management and help drive client program success, client renewals and organic growth. Since the agency maintains a dynamic business development function, the Senior Vice President position is focused on account operations, providing guidance to - and managing - account team leaders, providing high-level counsel and ensuring overall excellence in client service.

This role requires a seasoned public affairs agency professional who can keep watch over many accounts, managing multiple account team leaders "in-the-moment." The successful candidate must embrace a "hands-on" approach to bring out the best in team leaders.

The successful candidate will offer deep public affairs knowledge with a proven track record in successful client management, revenue growth and team leadership. They will thrive while managing multiple priorities in a constantly changing mix of activity across numerous accounts and the respective teams. This candidate will possess superior strategic thinking; excellent written and verbal communications abilities; strong people skills; and a passion for building long-term partnerships with clients.

The rewards for the successful candidate who joins the firm and succeeds in the role are long-term employment stability with unlimited career and compensation upside. The Senior Vice President role is critical to the continued expansion of the agency into new geographies and markets.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Satisfaction: Work with "pods" of client teams to create and implement dynamic strategies to enhance client satisfaction and retention. Conduct regular client reviews and meetings with team leaders to ensure:

• The agency and team leaders are thinking proactively about client issues and needs.
• High quality deliverables are produced consistently.
• Deadlines are met.
• Ongoing analysis of client program activities to identify areas for improvement and drive program results.
• Timely guidance and support to clients and team leaders to deliver exceptional service and drive achievement of client public affairs and policy objectives.

2. Organic Growth: Lead ongoing growth planning in partnership with team leaders. Support team leaders in identifying opportunities for client program expansion and cross-selling to existing public affairs clients.

3. Nurture Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their needs and fostering tailored solutions. Serve as a strategic counselor.

4. Learn the Landscape: Become expert on the players (e.g., mayors, city councils, regulators, planning commissions) across multiple municipalities and counties.

5. Maintain Successful Continuity: Develop and implement client onboarding and team training programs to ensure smooth integration of new client account team members and consistency of client agency experience. Implement initiatives and programs to enhance client retention rates.

6. Client Program: Collaborate with team leaders to develop strategic campaigns and tactical programs.

7. Proactive QA and Problem Solving: Act as a strategic advisor during challenging situations, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining client trust. Anticipate client concerns and promptly address them to ensure high levels of client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Political Science/Government & Politics, Communications, Business Administration or a related field. Advanced relevant degrees a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs firm client management with knowledge of local, regional and state government a big plus.
• Proven experience in a senior client management role with a leading public affairs firm. Superior writing and editing skills.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing public affairs and/or PR firm client accounts.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-focused bonus plans
• Health, life, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation and personal days
• Hybrid remote / office work schedule
• 401(k) plan
• A supportive and collaborative work environment

Full-time presence in either Southern California office is required. Depending upon the successful candidate's circumstances, a generous relocation package will be offered.

Summary:

As Senior Vice President, you will lead dynamic teams that are shaping the future of public affairs in California. This is your opportunity to drive success on behalf of clients and to share in the rewards of the agency's continued growth.