Optimal
Optimal is hiring a Vice President, Public Affairs to further solidify Optimal as the leader in targeted advertising for progressive digital campaigns by growing our presence in the market. We’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer Optimal is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, national and ethnic origins, disabilities, marital status, veteran status and all backgrounds. Optimal job offers are contingent on the results of a background check.
Who Are We? Optimal is a performance marketing agency on a mission, bringing together the best data, technology, and people to achieve our clients’ marketing goals. Brand, campaign, or cause: we maximize performance at every moment. We are not only digital media strategists – we’re award‑winning industry leaders, with deep knowledge spanning all things digital: from advertising and paid media to marketing and communications, to audience data and analytics, we deliver for our clients. Everyone at Optimal has the opportunity to learn, grow, and progress. We provide our team with the personal and professional development they need to achieve real career advancement.
About The Position The Vice President of Public Affairs leads strategic growth within the public affairs, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors. This executive‑level role is responsible for shaping agency visibility in values‑driven markets, cultivating long‑term client relationships, and managing a team to expand mission‑aligned business. The VP partners with senior leadership to guide pitch strategy, external presence, and revenue performance.
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
Desired Experience
10+ years of experience in public affairs, campaign strategy, or mission‑driven business development, preferred
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
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary commensurate with experience, with opportunity for limitless earning potential via commissions
Open leave (paid time off)
Paid leave for new parents
Medical, Dental, and Vision with Nationwide Coverage
Flex Spending Plan
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) with company matching
Student Loan Repayment Program
Professional development opportunities
Rewards and recognition programs
Mobile phone & home internet reimbursement and much more
Position will be based out of Washington, DC or New York. We work on a hybrid basis with many team members working entirely from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.
Please visit our
Notice to Applicants and Employees
to learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Equal Opportunity Employer Optimal is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, national and ethnic origins, disabilities, marital status, veteran status and all backgrounds. Optimal job offers are contingent on the results of a background check.
Who Are We? Optimal is a performance marketing agency on a mission, bringing together the best data, technology, and people to achieve our clients’ marketing goals. Brand, campaign, or cause: we maximize performance at every moment. We are not only digital media strategists – we’re award‑winning industry leaders, with deep knowledge spanning all things digital: from advertising and paid media to marketing and communications, to audience data and analytics, we deliver for our clients. Everyone at Optimal has the opportunity to learn, grow, and progress. We provide our team with the personal and professional development they need to achieve real career advancement.
About The Position The Vice President of Public Affairs leads strategic growth within the public affairs, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors. This executive‑level role is responsible for shaping agency visibility in values‑driven markets, cultivating long‑term client relationships, and managing a team to expand mission‑aligned business. The VP partners with senior leadership to guide pitch strategy, external presence, and revenue performance.
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
Desired Experience
10+ years of experience in public affairs, campaign strategy, or mission‑driven business development, preferred
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
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary commensurate with experience, with opportunity for limitless earning potential via commissions
Open leave (paid time off)
Paid leave for new parents
Medical, Dental, and Vision with Nationwide Coverage
Flex Spending Plan
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) with company matching
Student Loan Repayment Program
Professional development opportunities
Rewards and recognition programs
Mobile phone & home internet reimbursement and much more
Position will be based out of Washington, DC or New York. We work on a hybrid basis with many team members working entirely from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.
Please visit our
Notice to Applicants and Employees
to learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context.
#J-18808-Ljbffr