Associate Director, Public Affairs

Job Description The Associate Director plays a pivotal role as a workstream and team leader, taking ownership of client relationships and ensuring they are managed effectively. In this capacity, the Associate Director oversees client projects by guiding project teams and delegating tasks with precision, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with objectives. Beyond project management, the Associate Director is responsible for shaping strategies that support the client’s goals.

This includes developing comprehensive public affairs and advocacy plans, accurately scoping and pricing work, and managing activities and resources within agreed budgets. A key part of the role also involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, demonstrating both strategic vision and a proactive approach to growth. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the Associate Director interacts with all levels of staff and serves as the primary point of contact for clients.

By maintaining these relationships and driving strategic initiatives, the Associate Director ensures that client needs are met while fostering long‑term partnerships.

Responsibilities Independently manage client relationships effectively.

Organize teams around business development opportunities and manage the proposal process, ensuring the quality of thinking, APCO’s work standards, and accurate scoping of work.

Develop a positive reputation and be viewed as a thought leader within the market.

Establish a strong network across APCO and engage in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and drive new business opportunities.

Nurture a strong and valuable external network of political and institutional stakeholders and KOLs to provide first‑hand intelligence and secure access to relevant decision makers and influencers.

Confidently lead internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions; establish credibility by sharing insights and encouraging others to communicate ideas.

Serve as the principal client contact; leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization.

Consistently demonstrate APCO’s values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors, and clients.

Demonstrate strong strategic thinking and the ability to approach challenges with a long‑term perspective.

Proactively identify external meetings and trainings to attend to enhance sector knowledge and contacts.

Understand effective project management and effectively address issues, tying account engagements to APCO’s business success and making changes as necessary to improve account performance.

Participate in annual business planning, forecasting opportunities with managed clients.

Take ownership and actively engage in team member development; demonstrate thoughtful planning to increase individual skill sets by setting smart objectives.

Meet or exceed assigned utilization/ABP targets.

Grow clients organically and actively pursue new opportunities with prospects.

Qualifications Ideally between 7 and 10 years of cross‑market experience in public affairs and lobbying projects. Prior consulting experience is a must.

Public affairs experience, ideally on a Pan‑European level. Knowledge of the tech and retail industry is preferred.

Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a must.

Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and client initiatives and teams of both junior and senior colleagues.

Able to demonstrate exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills, including experience writing strategic plans and messages.

Excellent time‑management skills; able to operate under pressure and in a fast‑paced environment.

About APCOAPCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact. Founded in 1984, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women‑owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers,…