Associate, Public Affairs

About Brunswick

Brunswick is a strategic advisory firm focused on critical issues. Our purpose is to help the great value-creating organizations of the world play a more successful role in society.

We advise on critical issues at the center of business, politics and society, and help our clients – the leaders of large, complex organizations – understand and navigate these interconnected worlds.

Brunswick is one firm globally, operating as a single profit center. This allows us to respond seamlessly and effectively to clients’ needs wherever they are in the world.

Background

Founded in London in 1987, Brunswick’s global partnership has grown organically to 23 offices in 14 countries. We began as a M&A and financial communications firm and, over time, expanded our capabilities and expertise to crisis communications and communications on other business critical issues. We invested in new offices, sectors and a wider variety of offers for clients such as public and regulatory affairs, major litigation, business and society, cyber, employee engagement and digital. Our in-house creative agency, Merchant Cantos, delivers creative, visual content for clients.

We rank number 1 in the world over the last five years by global deal value and global deal volume and were named Band 1 advisors in the U.S. and the UK earlier this year by Chambers and Partners, the legal rankings service, as one of the very top communications firms offering legal and litigation support work.

Our CEO is Neal Wolin, based in Washington, D.C. Our Chairman is Sir Alan Parker, based in London.

Opportunity

Brunswick Group is seeking a Public Affairs Associate in Washington, D.C. to support its clients on campaign strategy, communications, and issues management. This Associate role sits specifically in Brunswick’s Regulatory & Public Affairs practice.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Client Contribution & Handling

• Serve as an expert to clients on public affairs, reputation, financial and crisis situations across multiple industries
• Provide relevant insight, guidance and advice to clients
• Play integral role in new business process; manage RFPs and participate in pitch preparation

Team Management

• Manage and mentor team members; work with Partner and Director on the day-to-day management of staff and client deliverables
• Manage the development of key client documents by playing a vital role in drafting, editing and routing throughout the internal process and external delivery
• Oversee research assignments; responsible for distilling a large amount of information into the most impactful and helpful points
• Plan and execute client announcements and events, managing:
• Strategic communications plan development
• Preparation of strategic communications documents including talking points, Q&As, day-of rollouts, media backgrounders, etc.
• Media handling and approach
• Announcement or event logistics
• Organize media meetings and logistics

Networking

• Foster a network of journalist contacts and relationships
• Develop relationships with the policy and regulatory community to understand issues and priorities
• Proactively build a network locally to identify talent referrals, new business prospects and contacts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 7-10+ years of public affairs, policy and/or campaign experience
• Deep understanding of political and policy issues and how they may affect corporations
• Ability to operate effectively in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication ability
• Energetic team player with strong self-motivation
• Experience managing teams and passionate about mentoring junior staff
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, with strong problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask in high-pressure situations
• Exhibit discretion with confidential client matters
• Knowledge of the media landscape
• Knowledge of Factiva, Bloomberg and other research resources

Ideal Candidate:

• A rising advisor and communicator with experience counseling clients and/or principals on regulatory and public affairs issues
• Adept at navigating and succeeding within high-performance, entrepreneurial environments
• Strong relationships across D.C. including governmental branches, lobbying shops, and campaigns
• Excellent communicator with professional polish and strong emotional intelligence
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit
• Desire to mentor and willingness to train junior staff