Head of Public Affairs

Head of Public Affairs

About The Role:

Zeno Group’s Washington DC office has an opportunity for a well-regarded, transformative leader to establish a Public Affairs practice in DC and beyond. This is a building role that requires deep experience in issues and advocacy, as well as legislative and regulatory on the state, federal and international stages.

We’re looking for a seasoned leader with a strong communications and integrated marketing background who has earned a track record of business-building success. As the leader of the Public Affairs practice for Zeno, you will demonstrate the skills and behaviors needed to build an enviable portfolio of work that delivers real value for our clients. As such, you are a big-picture thinker who can turn concepts into action. You are hungry to learn and evolve personally, and undaunted by change and complexity. 

• Actively manage the financial health of the practice and be an effective steward of client budgets.
• Bring an integrated marketing mindset to your teams and to your colleagues.
• Build strong relationships with clients as a senior counselor across many facets of PA, serving within their trusted circle of advisors.
• Collaborate with other Zeno leaders to build a portfolio of PA work with existing clients and new.
• Contribute to agency thought leadership.
• Develop a strategy and approach for Zeno’s Public Affairs offering.
• Engage and inspire confidence at the C-Suite level across a variety of clients working in an array of sectors.
• Ensure your team’s client programs reflect the breadth of Zeno’s integrated approach: rooted in earned, designed for social, informed by data, measurable and brought to life with stunning creative.
• Establish the foundation for a scalable PA practice.
• Inspire, coach, motivate and manage your team.
• Open new doors and win new business to build our portfolio in key sectors as well as contribute to organic growth.

• 17+ years of experience in Public Affairs, Policy, Government Affairs, or a similar sector
• Ability to counsel at the highest levels of business across a variety of sectors.
• Ability to think strategically and tactically.
• Collegial, collaborative style; ability build relationships at all levels of seniority (internally and externally.)  
• Cultivator of talent who can identify potential and nurture colleagues along their own professional journeys.
• Entrepreneurial spirit balanced with the ability to function as a leader in a highly collaborative organization.
• Exceptional consultative skills - delivering relevant insight grounded in data, analysis, and experience.
• Extraordinary communication skills: listening, influencing, negotiation and persuasion.
• Grasp of integrated marketing fundamentals and how to leverage them for our clients.
• Leads from the front and inspires others to do their best work through a collaborative approach.
• Partner to all – recognizing the need to engage specialist skill sets from around the business to better fuel the overarching growth of the firm.
• Polished executive presence and inspiring, inclusive leadership style.
• Proven track record of success in growing business (organic and new.)
• Solid business acumen and ability to speak the clients’ languages.
• Strong operational skills and deep understanding of the agency business model with an ability to oversee efficient staff utilization, account profitability and annual budget planning.

ABOUT US

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company. 

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS 

Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US. 

Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.