Director, Public Affairs

CRAFT| Media/Digital is a dynamic and rapidly growing public affairs, public relations, and corporate branding firm, and the work we produce is a reflection of our clients’ views. CRAFT seeks highly motivated, resourceful individuals that are eager to stand on the front lines of today’s most contentious public affairs campaigns, high profile policy debates, notable non-profit initiatives and high-stakes corporate communications campaigns. JOB DESCRIPTION FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. Summary: The Director, Public Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing multi-faceted public affairs and communication strategies to effectively engage in policy debates, shape public awareness and opinion, and impact media coverage on behalf of corporate, association and nonprofit clients. The successful Director thrives on tackling complex issues, developing creative solutions to difficult problems, and developing compelling messages and arguments that cut through and win. The Director can move seamlessly across a mix of work that may include: state and federal legislative advocacy campaigns, industry reputation campaigns, crisis communications, ally development and coalition building, and grassroots engagement. Key Responsibilities: Lead day-to-day execution of client projects and oversee implementation of all elements of client strategies and deliverables. Develop effective communications and public affairs strategies and advise client teams on strategic approaches and the most appropriate mix of communications and public affairs tactics for a given issue. Develop and manage work plans and budgets to ensure client objectives are met with high-quality, on- time, and on-budget deliverables. Draft compelling issue narratives, messages, and supporting communications materials. Translate complex issues into understandable messages and arguments that resonate with key audiences and stakeholders. Lead calls and team meetings to ensure regular, proactive communications. Manage and grow junior team members through coaching, regular feedback, and effective delegation. Provide regular, proactive communications and guidance to clients and internal teams. Manage an internal team and ensure high-quality work product and clear direction. Actively participate in business development by writing high-quality proposals, developing presentations, and taking part in pitches. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Qualified candidates will have: A minimum of 6-8 years of directly relevant public affairs experience with specific experience in issue advocacy and complex issue/reputation campaigns A minimum of 4 years of experience at a public affairs firm A proven track record of successfully managing public affairs clients and accounts Experience managing internal project teams Experience with coalition-building, alliance development and grassroots engagement strategies A solid understanding of digital, traditional, and paid media Outstanding writing skills across a variety of formats including messaging, persuasive writing, op-eds, media materials and strategy documents Outstanding verbal communications and presentation skills Excellent client relationship management skills, and a proven ability to manage up A proven, self-starter mentality with a comfort level for working in a fast-paced environment Ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines Ability to execute high quality work under tight deadlines with strong attention to detail The ideal candidate will have: Prior experience with state and federal legislative advocacy campaigns Sound understanding of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes Experience with crisis or litigation communications Experience with political campaigns, ballot measures and/or superPACs Fluency in digital engagement strategies Familiarity with paid advertising and creative services WORK ENVIRONMENT Hybrid work model. Daily work performed Monday through Friday, 9.00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; additional hours may be required on an as-needed basis. TO APPLY Please submit your cover letter and resume, with salary requirements, in PDF format to [email protected] .