Public affairs specialist Jobs in Alexandria, VA

Account Executive (Public Affairs)

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth. Permanent, full-time | Based in Washington, DC | Competitive salary

Red Flag is looking for a driven, detail-oriented Account Executive to join our growing Washington, DC team. We want someone who takes initiative, supports senior colleagues in servicing major clients, helps drive day-to-day account delivery, and contributes to high-impact campaigns for clients across the US and internationally.

This is a key hire for Red Flag, the multi-award-winning strategic communications and campaigns consultancy. Our clients trust our global team of strategists and campaigners, drawn from the worlds of media, politics, business and diplomacy, to cut through the noise on their toughest regulatory, reputational and communications challenges. We specialize in integrated advocacy campaigns on sensitive, complex and business-critical issues, combining public affairs, media relations, digital mobilization, coalition building and grassroots activation to deliver for our clients.

From our offices in Washington DC, Brussels, London, Dublin and Cape Town, we have delivered for clients in more than 52 countries across five continents, advising some of the world's most recognized companies, coalitions and industry associations.

Now part of Ankura, the world-leading expert services and advisory firm, we can put a global bench of subject-matter experts behind every campaign we run. Ankura hires people to think big and make things happen. On that strength, we are scaling our US operations and expanding our international client portfolio.

About the Role

Following a series of major new client wins, Red Flag is recruiting an Account Executive (Public Affairs) to support engagement across our growing US and international client base. This is a role for someone who wants to learn quickly, take on responsibility early, and build a strong foundation in public affairs and strategic communications.

At Red Flag, Account Executives play a key part in the accounts they work on. You will support the day-to-day delivery of communications and public affairs programs, help task and support Account Coordinators, and serve as a reliable point of contact for clients on routine matters. We give people real responsibility early, backed by senior support to help them grow quickly.

This position is scoped to be based in our Washington, DC office, with arrangements for hybrid working. Some domestic and international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Supports the Account Manager in the day-to-day running of client accounts, acting as a reliable point of contact on routine matters.

Helps task and support Account Coordinators, reviewing their work and keeping projects on track.

Assists with the development and execution of communications and public affairs strategies for clients across a range of sectors.

Monitors and analyzes media, social media and policy developments, and drafts clear, accurate reporting for clients.

Drafts and edits written products for internal and external purposes, including briefing memos, talking points, social media content, op-eds and presentations.

Helps plan and run client activity such as fly-ins, media events, briefings, roundtables and coalition meetings, including logistics, materials and on-site support.

Supports new business development, including research, pitch materials and identifying new opportunities.

Works closely with colleagues across our five offices on a wide range of client issues.

Required Skills and Experience

We are looking for an organized self-starter with:

1-3 years of experience in a professional environment; internships or experience in public affairs, on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, on a campaign or in the media are a plus.

A developing understanding of the US political and regulatory process, with an interest in Defense, Energy, or Healthcare policy.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate materials such as press releases, briefing memos and talking points.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects at once.

Good judgment and the confidence to task and support junior colleagues.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to contribute positively to a team.

A genuine interest in learning quickly and taking on a wide range of issues.

What We Offer

At Red Flag, you will join a growing agency that invests in talent and rewards performance, backed by the reach of Ankura. We are proud to offer:

Competitive salary and benefits, tailored to experience

Annual bonus scheme

Clear pathways to promotion and internal advancement

Structured mentorship and in-house training

Professional development support

Hybrid working options

Generous annual leave entitlement

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing all relevant experience and outlining what they can bring to Red Flag. We will contact shortlisted candidates directly.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of age, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, gender or gender reassignment, disability or race.