Managing Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications (Technology)
Bully Pulpit International, San Francisco, CA, United States
Bully Pulpit International is an outcomes agency made up of strategists, data scientists, and artists. We come from politics, brands, and government and we communicate without barriers and measure what matters. With more than 350 team members in six countries and thirteen offices — Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, D.C., London, Los Angeles, New York, Oslo, San Francisco, and Zürich — we apply our unique expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, and digital marketing to create sophisticated and customized strategies that make change possible for both American and European clients.
The Impact You Will Make We are seeking an outcomes-driven Managing Director to join our Public Affairs & Strategic Communications practice for a portfolio of high-stakes Technology clients. This is a leadership position for a proven professional who can operate at the intersection of business, politics, and public policy, combining strategic consulting rigor with the agility and urgency of a modern political campaign. This role reports to a Partner.
This role requires a unique fusion of deep strategic client counsel, effective team management, and new business development in the technology sector. You will be a cultural anchor for the firm, shaping agency strategy while serving as a senior advisor to C‑suite leaders. You are not just an account lead; you are an external thought leader and an expert strategist in the tech vertical.
Starting Salary Range: $225,000
Location: Expectation to work from our San Francisco office at least three times a week
What Day To Day Looks Like Client Management
Strategic Client Leadership & Outcomes – Serve as the senior strategic contributor to C‑suite and executive leaders within the technology sector, guiding them through complex challenges related to corporate reputation, public affairs, and market positioning. Independently run large and complex (multi‑service) books of business across a variety of corporate and/or public affairs projects. Oversee execution of comprehensive, integrated communications campaigns – ensuring seamless coordination across policy intelligence, message development, earned/owned media, and digital/paid advocacy. Anticipate and advise clients on emerging political, regulatory, and cultural shifts (e.g., AI governance, antitrust, social impact) that affect their brand and operations. Position yourself as an expert, not just an account lead, commanding original expertise within the technology vertical.
Business Affairs – Drive strategy, deepen trust of clients, and support BPI’s Partners and Executive Leadership on a variety of accounts. Serve as the main point of contact and oversee daily management, communication, and execution of services for the client, which often include senior management or executive‑level decision‑makers.
Agency Strategy & Culture
Strategic Direction – Provide critical feedback on organization‑wide governance and the agency’s long‑term strategic direction.
Talent Development – Drive agency culture and retention through mentoring future leaders and identifying/recruiting industry‑leading talent.
Resource Management – Remain accountable for efficient time management and allocation of agency resources for client teams you manage.
New Business & Thought Leadership
Revenue Growth – Drive top‑line goals by developing net‑new inbound leads and collaborating with Executive Leadership to secure new client wins.
Market Ambassadorship – Act as a brand ambassador in the tech industry, staying ahead of market trends to provide strategic input for agency growth.
External Presence – Increase BPI’s industry footprint through proactive networking, speaking engagements, panels, and published thought‑leadership pieces.
Requirements What You Bring
12+ years of senior experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or a leadership role at an integrated agency or consulting firm.
Deep and demonstrated expertise in advising executive‑level clients within the Technology sector on high‑stakes corporate reputation and policy challenges.
Exceptional executive‑level communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or technical details into compelling, high‑impact narratives.
In-depth knowledge of the current political, media, and cultural landscape, with experience running integrated campaigns (combining earned, owned, and paid media).
High level of organization and precision—managing scopes, budgets, reporting, and team delivery with excellence while leading multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to mobilize fast‑paced, highly collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams.
Benefits 100% company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) program with employer match up to 4%, generous time off for vacation, $50 monthly phone reimbursement, unlimited sick time, and 16 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
BPI’s benefits prioritize employee wellness and progressive support to our diverse workforce.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on individual commitment to excellence. We want the best qualified people in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Impact You Will Make We are seeking an outcomes-driven Managing Director to join our Public Affairs & Strategic Communications practice for a portfolio of high-stakes Technology clients. This is a leadership position for a proven professional who can operate at the intersection of business, politics, and public policy, combining strategic consulting rigor with the agility and urgency of a modern political campaign. This role reports to a Partner.
This role requires a unique fusion of deep strategic client counsel, effective team management, and new business development in the technology sector. You will be a cultural anchor for the firm, shaping agency strategy while serving as a senior advisor to C‑suite leaders. You are not just an account lead; you are an external thought leader and an expert strategist in the tech vertical.
Starting Salary Range: $225,000
Location: Expectation to work from our San Francisco office at least three times a week
What Day To Day Looks Like Client Management
Strategic Client Leadership & Outcomes – Serve as the senior strategic contributor to C‑suite and executive leaders within the technology sector, guiding them through complex challenges related to corporate reputation, public affairs, and market positioning. Independently run large and complex (multi‑service) books of business across a variety of corporate and/or public affairs projects. Oversee execution of comprehensive, integrated communications campaigns – ensuring seamless coordination across policy intelligence, message development, earned/owned media, and digital/paid advocacy. Anticipate and advise clients on emerging political, regulatory, and cultural shifts (e.g., AI governance, antitrust, social impact) that affect their brand and operations. Position yourself as an expert, not just an account lead, commanding original expertise within the technology vertical.
Business Affairs – Drive strategy, deepen trust of clients, and support BPI’s Partners and Executive Leadership on a variety of accounts. Serve as the main point of contact and oversee daily management, communication, and execution of services for the client, which often include senior management or executive‑level decision‑makers.
Agency Strategy & Culture
Strategic Direction – Provide critical feedback on organization‑wide governance and the agency’s long‑term strategic direction.
Talent Development – Drive agency culture and retention through mentoring future leaders and identifying/recruiting industry‑leading talent.
Resource Management – Remain accountable for efficient time management and allocation of agency resources for client teams you manage.
New Business & Thought Leadership
Revenue Growth – Drive top‑line goals by developing net‑new inbound leads and collaborating with Executive Leadership to secure new client wins.
Market Ambassadorship – Act as a brand ambassador in the tech industry, staying ahead of market trends to provide strategic input for agency growth.
External Presence – Increase BPI’s industry footprint through proactive networking, speaking engagements, panels, and published thought‑leadership pieces.
Requirements What You Bring
12+ years of senior experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or a leadership role at an integrated agency or consulting firm.
Deep and demonstrated expertise in advising executive‑level clients within the Technology sector on high‑stakes corporate reputation and policy challenges.
Exceptional executive‑level communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or technical details into compelling, high‑impact narratives.
In-depth knowledge of the current political, media, and cultural landscape, with experience running integrated campaigns (combining earned, owned, and paid media).
High level of organization and precision—managing scopes, budgets, reporting, and team delivery with excellence while leading multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to mobilize fast‑paced, highly collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams.
Benefits 100% company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) program with employer match up to 4%, generous time off for vacation, $50 monthly phone reimbursement, unlimited sick time, and 16 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
BPI’s benefits prioritize employee wellness and progressive support to our diverse workforce.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on individual commitment to excellence. We want the best qualified people in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr