WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR:

We need a leader. Someone who really knows and understands how to lead a team and manage account direction, anticipate client needs, and has a sense of urgency to surprise and delight. We would like to meet candidates who enjoy public affairs, technology, international development and complex subject matter. Because clients think of us as an extension of their team, we are looking for a well-versed senior account director who is strong in all facets of campaign ideation and strategy, execution, content strategy, user experience, communications, PR, and marketing. You will be adept at simultaneously directing the development, implementation, and support of strategic communications programs while continually providing leadership and guidance to junior team members. Proactive in your management approach - you lead by example and prioritize staff development. 

• Building, leading and developing a team of public relations/affairs professionals comprising existing staff, and, as growth occurs, recruiting, mobilizing and overseeing new staff.
• Accountable for the growth and success of our clients, by being invested in the development of our portfolio and continually pushing to increase our expertise, offerings, and effectiveness.
• Develop trusting relationships with our clients by listening to their needs while being a creative, strategic partner.
• Account supervision including day-to-day account management oversight, ensuring account activities are productive and serving the client’s objectives, proactively available as higher-level counsel for the client.
• Oversee and be responsible for budget adherence and operational performance of multiple accounts simultaneously, ensuring that high-quality work is delivered on time while making sure strategy and tactics always ladder back up to business goals.
• Participate as a committed and active member of the Senior Team - including high-level business development planning, staff development planning, and account service planning.
• Mentor and manage junior staff including formal professional development and performance management.
• Drive campaign development from start to finish, including strategic planning, execution, optimization, and analysis.
• Strong understanding of media relations: media monitoring and media outreach activities.
• Review and write client deliverables ensuring consistency in voice, writing style and accuracy.
• Develop communications plans that integrate traditional and digital media strategies.
• Participate in new business processes including relationship building, research, proposal writing, and pitching.
• Monitoring the landscape of key stakeholders including government, industry, not-for-profit on behalf of clients and providing proactive counsel where required.
• Strategically guide and vet analytics and summary reports prior to client presentation.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field.
• 10+ years of full-time public relations experience, including pitching consumer, business, and trade media (print/broadcast/online).
• Senior level agency + management experience required.
• Demonstrated track record of personally leading organic and new business development.
• A developed ability to actively listen, ask better questions and provide strategic advice.
• Proven ability to “get-the-job-done” and provide quality work even if it means the occasional crunch to meet a deadline.
• Self-starter, open-minded, innovative thinker that thrives on building happy and high-performing teams.
• Firm grasp of agency business models (forecasting, budgeting, utilization etc.)
• Strong writing skills with the ability to communicate points-of-view succinctly, thoroughly, and convincingly.
• Extremely organized and detail oriented with strong time management skills.
• A lifelong learner who is curious and seeks out professional development opportunities.
• Creative and strategic thinker with a penchant for the unexpected.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Suite, business apps (Zoom, Slack), Basecamp, Wrike (or similar project management software), and Apple products.
• Friendly.We like to work with people we like.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending for health, transit and childcare benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• One-time bike stipend to encourage environmentally friendly commuting
• Professional development + Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion trainings
• Culture events throughout the year, including yearly all-office retreat and holiday party
• Quarterly team community volunteer opportunities
• Pro bono work (Giving Tuesday)
• Flexible working hours
• Summer hours on Fridays
• Dog-friendly work environment
• Generous annual leave + holidays + nature days

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Proof employees are working remotely with the option to come into the office until January when staff will be required to return to our office 1-2 days a week.  (If you are not in the DC area, we have a remote work program). We will require staff who are in the DMV to be vaccinated before we return to the office in the new year.

Proof Strategies provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.