Job Description

Senior Account Director, Public Affairs & Government Relations

MikeWorldWide is seeking a well-rounded senior government relations professional in its Trenton-based office. This is a high-growth, high-visibility role for a client service-obsessed leader with experience leading multi-dimensional, multi-workstream accounts. Our ideal candidate is a modern, integrated thinker with a command of the rapidly changing environment of public opinion and public policy: well-versed in the use of digital and paid strategies, and rooted in active, hands-on management of government relations and public affairs. If you understand and live in the intersection of public policy, public relations and community relations and possess a deep understanding of these dynamics in New Jersey, this role is for you.

We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated ability to think critically and influence elected and appointed officials to move to action. A bias toward action and willingness to be hands-on with teams and client deliverables in fast-moving situations is highly valued.

Experience and background in campaigns, New Jersey Legislature, Governor’s Administration, or New Jersey’s Congressional offices are required. The position also will involve participation in comprehensive public affairs and legislative strategies, and direct outreach to pubic officials, community leaders, business organizations and other key New Jersey stakeholders and influencers.

Agency experience is preferred, but individuals with experience in New Jersey public policy at the federal, state, or local level is important and will be considerably weighted. Also, those who have engaged in direct government relations as in-hopuse counsel or lobbyists for New Jersey based entities are encouraged to apply. Those interested should be prepared to provide writing samples and case studies of programs managed and implemented by the candidate.

Candidates will be expected to operate in a client-facing capacity, including participation in regular meetings virtually and in person within New Jersey. There also will be involvement in client events, business development and campaign activities that include participation in forums outside of the home/office.

Experience in political campaigns and a strong understanding of legislative process – a strong plus.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Provide high-level account management and strategic counsel to clients across the spectrum of public affairs including positioning and messaging, stakeholder engagement, policy making, legislative process, issues management, and executive visibility.
• Experience with legislative and policy making is important. Working on an issue from the time a bill is drafted, through the legislative process and ending with Governor’s enactment.
• Understanding and tracking Rules and Regulations through various Departments and Divisions within the Governor’s Administration.
• Key contacts at the state, county and local elected and appointed official levels. Maintaining and using these relationships to assist various public affairs campaigns.
• Attend New Jersey Senate and Assembly legislative committee hearings and provide recaps of those hearings to a variety of clients. Working on legislation during the Senate and Assembly voting sessions to achieve desired client outcomes.
• Structure and lead day-to-day operational and campaigns of integrated account teams, generating fresh, smart ideas and leading programs.
• Crafting thoughtful points of view and recommendations based on a broad understanding of client landscapes, business and industry environment and public policy positions.
• Anticipate potential risks and issues and help clients navigate challenges with deep institutional and category expertise.
• Provide account oversight with a client-focused mindset and commitment to quality work that exceeds expectations.
• Continually work with teams to drive client results that can meet or surpass client KPIs through the development of best-in-class public affairs and legislative campaigns.

What You Have to Have (Experience Requirements & Success Factors):

• At least 5+ years of experience serving in a full-time role either in public policy, legislative staff, campaign management, or other agency/in-house roles with similar requirements to simultaneously manage multiple programs.
• Strong background working with elected and appointed officials and their staff to move public policy issues forward.
• Deep understanding of the intersection of public relations, public policy and reputation, with insights and expertise in the New Jersey business and political environment specifically.
• Digital fluency and demonstrated ability to deliver programs that change stakeholder opinions utilizing earned, owned and paid media.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn about new businesses, industries and issues quickly and effectively.
• Flexibility and a solutions orientation, including the ability to “jump in” to mid-stream activity in a hands-on way to ensure success of the programs.
• Proven and trusted client advisor who is an active listener, capable of building strong partnerships and confidently provides counsel with an ability to persuade, negotiate, and build alignment around strategy or public policy.
• Demonstrated success in being a strategic thinker – bringing PR, business and political acumen to generate compelling and award-winning programs.
• Understands clients’ challenges and brings new ideas that challenge the status quo.
• Prior understanding of programs such as GovNetNJ, PoliticoPro New Jersey, or the New Jersey Legislative site to track and manage legislation for various clients.
• Experience in managing multiple work streams and staying on top of client budgets.
• Proven track record for maintaining excellent and consistent work and always delivering superior client service.
• Confidence in presenting ideas and providing counsel to internal and external audiences.
• Ability to multi-task and move quickly and decisively on client and team needs.

Our Benefits:

We believe in flexibility and have the structure to make that our reality. MWWLife is our robust suite of benefits, programs, and incentives designed to support our employees’ experience during every phase of their careers. Forged in the spirit of flexibility and growth, it’s about the freedom to live your best life, both personally and professionally, and embodies the culture of caring that we cultivate at MikeWorldWide.

Highlights Includes:

• Unlimited PTO
• Pre-PTO
• Mental Health Awareness Days
• Friday Freeze
• Summer Fridays
• Commuter Benefits
• Professional Trainings and Workshops
• Phone and Mental Health/Wellness Stipend
• Offices are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

Our Values:

At MWW, our values are what set us apart and give us the energy to move forward with confidence and excellence.

• Passion : We have a real passion for what we do. It’s why we get up every day and it’s what drives us to work harder, care more and execute flawlessly.
• Inclusivity : We’re inclusive – for real. Our respect and appreciation for diverse backgrounds and perspectives lead us to greater innovation, enhanced creativity, and richer experiences.
• Curiosity : Our endless curiosity opens us up to new ideas, collaboration, and growth. It drives our desire to immerse ourselves in the knowledge of others and the culture of the world about us.
• Empathy : Our authentic empathy gives us a sense of understanding which transforms our work, enhances our ability to deliver for clients and elevates us from colleagues to family
• Independence : Our hard-earned independence gives us the freedom and flexibility to dream big, take risks and do what’s right – for our clients, our agency and each other
• Initiative : We have a spirited initiative – we’re fast, focused and fearless. It’s that confidence and pride in our ability to deliver exceptional work for exceptional clients.

Our Philosophy:

At MikeWorldWide, we are built to care. We care about each other, our clients, our work and our world. We have an inherent collective empathy that informs our ideas, energizes our work and elevates us from likable colleagues to beloved family.

We’re an independent agency and we care a lot about that. Our independence gives us the freedom and flexibility to dream big, take the risks worth taking, and to do the work worth caring about. Most importantly, it lets us do what’s right for our employees, our families and friends, and, of course, our clients.

Creating authentic and lasting connections for our clients—and the people who value those clients—is why we exist. We want them to be loved because their success is ours. And so, for them, we create work that people care about because now, more than ever, CARING COUNTS .

We celebrate diversity in our employees and partners, and we're committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace environment where we all can feel comfortable and thrive while we bring our best ideas to life. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage future MWW families from traditionally underrepresented and underserved communities to apply.

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