Optimal · 1 month ago
Vice President, Public Affairs
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expOptimal is a performance marketing agency on a mission, bringing together the best data, technology, and people to achieve our clients’ marketing goals. The Vice President of Public Affairs leads strategic growth within the public affairs, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors, shaping agency visibility and managing a team to expand mission-aligned business.
Marketing & Advertising
Responsibilities
Direct the agency’s new business strategy in the advocacy and public affairs sectors
Oversee development of high-impact proposals, RFP responses, and pitch materials tailored to mission-driven audiences
Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, foundations, advocacy organizations, and aligned agency partners
Serve as lead executive on large-scale campaigns, policy initiatives, and coalition-based pitches
Guide internal strategy sessions to align offerings with public affairs market trends
Represent the agency at advocacy conferences, policy events, and values-aligned networking opportunities
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure proposals reflect cultural competence, audience expertise, and equity principles
Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting, and performance analysis for the public affairs vertical
Oversee team reporting and ensure CRM accuracy for forecasting and performance tracking
Submit expense reports and timesheet approvals accurately and on time
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Lead strategic growth within the public affairs, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors
Shape agency visibility in values-driven markets
Cultivate long-term client relationships
Manage a team to expand mission-aligned business
Partner with senior leadership to guide pitch strategy, external presence, and revenue performance
Direct the agency's new business strategy in the advocacy and public affairs sectors
Oversee development of high-impact proposals, RFP responses, and pitch materials tailored to mission-driven audiences
Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, foundations, advocacy organizations, and aligned agency partners
Serve as lead executive on large-scale campaigns, policy initiatives, and coalition-based pitches
Guide internal strategy sessions to align offerings with public affairs market trends
Represent the agency at advocacy conferences, policy events, and values-aligned networking opportunities
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure proposals reflect cultural competence, audience expertise, and equity principles
Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting, and performance analysis for the public affairs vertical
Oversee team reporting and ensure CRM accuracy for forecasting and performance tracking
Submit expense reports and timesheet approvals accurately and on time
Perform other duties as assigned
Preferred
10+ years of experience in public affairs, campaign strategy, or mission-driven business development
Proven experience managing sales pipelines, securing high-value contracts, and scaling strategic client work
Deep understanding of political, nonprofit, or foundation funding ecosystems
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and represent complex offerings externally
Strong writing, presentation, and relationship-building skills
Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM tools
Benefits
Open leave (paid time off)
Paid leave for new parents
Medical, Dental, and Vision with Nationwide Coverage
Flex Spending Plan
Employee Assistance Program
401K with company matching
Student Loan Repayment Program
Professional development opportunities
Rewards and recognition programs
Mobile phone & home internet reimbursement and much more!
Company
Optimal
We are your mission critical digital marketing partner.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Michael Bassik
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Weisberg
Co-Founder & Chairman
Company data provided by crunchbase