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.

Candidates need not possess every attribute listed above to qualify for a role. If you identify with this profile but don’t quite meet all the criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply to joining our winning team!

Who we are

Subject Matter+Kivvit, where creative advocacy meets data-driven communications.

Our diverse skill sets deliver unexpected solutions that break through a complicated communications and policy landscape. We are an integrated consultancy, offering strategic communications, data analytics & insights, government relations, digital strategy, creative content, and advertising services. 

With 200+ employees in Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and Miami, we are one of the largest independent agencies, providing the attention you expect of a boutique firm with the resources of a national agency.

We are here for what is now, and what is next.

SM+K cares about our team’s quality of life outside of work. That’s why we offer a uniquely rich benefits package that includes: 

• • 100% Company-paid medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401(k) contribution
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • 12 paid company holidays per year, 22 days individual paid time off 
  • Early close every summer Friday

Team SM+K prides itself on the kind of innovation that is only achieved through inclusive collaboration and equal opportunity. Maintaining a diverse staff of first-class talent (including those from BIPOC, LGBTQ communities, and others from traditionally underrepresented groups), and conferring a sense of value and belonging on each team member is central to our mission as expert communicators.

SM+K is also committed to providing necessary assistance or modifications to the application process for prospective candidates. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected] and include your full name and the accommodation needed to assist you with the Talent Acquisition process. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.