Position Summary
Pinkston is seeking a Senior Account Manager with expertise in policy and advocacy communications to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a communications professional with a strong understanding of the policy and political landscape, preferably with experience working on Capitol Hill or within public affairs. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with a wide range of advocacy-focused clients, including those with conservative-leaning policy perspectives.
Senior Account Managers at Pinkston work closely with senior leadership to direct client accounts, manage staff, and drive strategy. This position requires a deep understanding of media relations, messaging strategy, and crisis communications, particularly within the policy and political communications sector. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong client engagement skills, the ability to navigate politically sensitive issues, and a strategic mindset that contributes to client impact and business growth.
Additional Details
Location : Falls Church, Virginia
Status : Exempt, Full-Time
Travel : 5-10%
Reports to : VP - Policy & Advocacy
Role Responsibilities
Client & Media Strategy
- Lead media campaign strategy, execution, and message development for policy and advocacy clients
- Guide clients on communications approaches that resonate within diverse and politically sensitive environments
- Lead a team to proactively engage media, pitch stories, and secure placements for advocacy initiatives
- Identify media risks and navigate sensitive issues and reputational concerns with confidence
- Develop strategic messaging documents, op-eds, and thought leadership content on behalf of clients.
Client & Account Management
Serve as day-to-day lead for assigned clients, managing priorities, expectations, and communication strategyProvide strategic counsel to advocacy and policy clients, many of whom operate in complex political landscapesUnderstand and anticipate client goals, adapting plans as needed in dynamic news or political cyclesBuild trusted relationships with key client stakeholders, including executives, policy leaders, and donorsTeam Leadership & Collaboration
Manage and mentor junior team members, contributing to their professional developmentCoordinate cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with client scopes of workCollaborate with directors and VPs on onboarding new clients and supporting new business proposalsEnsure quality and timeliness of deliverables while balancing multiple fast-moving accountsSkills and Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, political science, journalism, or a related field5–7+ years of experience in PR, public affairs, or strategic communicationsDirect experience working with or in proximity to Capitol Hill, a policy organization, or issue advocacy groupDemonstrated ability to manage client relationships and lead project teamsMedia relations, strong writing, and storytelling skills, especially in policy / political contextsComfort and maturity in working with ideologically diverse clients, including conservative-leaning organizationsAlignment with Pinkston’s guiding principlesPreferred
Previous experience in a Congressional communications office or on Capitol HillCultural Competencies
Strategic Thinker : Sees the big picture of client work and how messaging fits into broader advocacy or policy goalsPolitically Savvy : Comfortable navigating communications in complex or polarized environmentsMission-Driven : Committed to advancing client objectives with clarity, creativity, and precisionCollaborative Leader : Values teamwork, mentorship, and growing othersOutcome-Oriented : Maintains high standards and strives to exceed expectationsEmpathetic Communicator : Understands client sensitivities and approaches messaging with discernment and careEqual Opportunity Employer
Pinkston is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Pinkston makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
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