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Account Director, Social Impact and Public Affairs

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global PR agency – we’re an engagement agency and we’re working in and around the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We’re storytellers, content creators, and we engage people IN the story. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service and to our people. We embrace creativity and collaboration, and we engage stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputations.

Account Director, Social Impact and Public Affairs

About the Opportunity: Weber Shandwick is seeking a curious, purpose-driven, media-savvy Account Director to join our integrated Social Impact and Public Affairs team in Washington, D.C. This role is designed for a communications strategist who thrives at the intersection of business, policy, media and culture. You’ll be responsible for developing and executing communications strategies for a diverse portfolio of corporate, public sector and nonprofit clients seeking to make a tangible impact in a complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a passion for driving change and a deep understanding of how to build and protect reputation. You bring a proven track record of delivering effective, integrated campaigns and experience thriving on high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment. This position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid schedule.

About You: You’re a strategic thinker and trusted counselor who excels at building long-term client relationships. Fluent in internet culture, you’re a voracious consumer of news, compulsively following the conversations shaping politics, the economy, AI, and social and community impact.

You bring a network of media relationships that you can leverage for clients. With experience working directly for a principal, you’re adept at positioning them for media opportunities and capturing their voice in compelling content. You confidently shape and deliver narratives across legacy and emerging media platforms.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a client advisor, providing counsel on social, policy and communications issues.
  • Develop and execute bespoke communications strategies – with earned media at the center – that meet clients’ reputational goals.
  • Confidently lead day-to-day client engagement, ensuring we deliver our best work and exceed client expectations.
  • Craft compelling narratives, messaging and content on behalf of clients and their principals, including press releases, op-eds and social media content.
  • Build, maintain and leverage relationships with media to advance client narratives and objectives.
  • Track and provide timely recommendations on developments in politics and culture – and media trends – that impact clients.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, serving as an integral part of ensuring we deliver cohesive campaign work.
  • Mentor and develop junior team members through hands-on guidance and feedback.
  • Identify and support new business opportunities to expand the agency’s client base.

Desired Skills & Experience:

  • Client Leadership: Proven ability to confidently engage with and provide strategic counsel to senior clients, establishing yourself as a knowledgeable advisor.
  • Political & Cultural Fluency: Deeply immersed in the digital landscape, closely following national political and social issue conversations.
  • Executive Communications: Demonstrated experience working for a principal (e.g., corporate executive, public official) and writing compelling content on their behalf.
  • Media Savvy: A strong network of media contacts that can be leveraged for client relationship-building and pitching, with a track record of delivering successful media campaigns.

Additional Qualifications:

  • 8-10 years of professional experience in communications or public affairs agencies, Capitol Hill, Executive Branch agencies, political campaigns, media, nonprofit or similar organizations.
  • Experience with wealth equity or community uplift programs, particularly those impacting the Black community.
  • A background working on political or social issues.
  • A resilient mindset, deep curiosity and healthy sense of humor.
  • Bachelor’s Degree

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status. We’re passionate about expanding the boundaries of what we offer our clients by bringing diverse perspectives to the table. We’re always looking for new colleagues who reflect the best of our values: curiosity, inclusion, courage and impact.

Washington D.C. Salary range: $95,000 USD – $125,000 USD

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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