Account Director

Marathon Strategies, an independent communications and research firm, is looking for an experienced Account Director, with previous agency, Capitol Hill, political, or media experience. This role will help drive and execute public affairs and communications initiatives for a diverse portfolio of corporate, nonprofit, association, and advocacy clients. This position will be 1 – 2 days hybrid based out of the firm’s DC office. Candidates should be based in the DC Metro area.
We are looking for a policy communications pro with strong media relationships, writing skills, and, ideally, previous client management experience. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who is well-versed in media, policy, and politics and can help drive sophisticated public affairs and corporate communications campaigns. You will have worked in a public affairs or public relations agency, news organization, political campaign, government, or industry association. You will also have a network of relationships with national media, possess excellent writing skills, and be resourceful, enthusiastic and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Reporting to the Managing Director of Public Affairs in DC, the Director is responsible for implementing and supporting strategic communications programs on behalf of clients across a variety of industries.
Responsibilities Client Management Independently acts as the key day‑to‑day point of contact and strategic lead for assigned clients.
Implements strategic communication initiatives and programs.
Develops client work plans and ensures day‑to‑day management of timelines and deliverables.
Prepares initial versions of internal and client communications, prepares for client calls, meetings, etc., while providing regular updates to senior management.
Understands the environment in which clients operate.
Content Development Error‑proof communication materials such as memos, strategies, PowerPoint presentations, press releases, talking points, opinion editorials and speeches.
Converts complex issues into compelling messages on behalf of clients.
Creates original and creative angles to explain problems.
Writes and edits digital materials, including websites, e‑mails, ads, social media copy and interactive materials.
Team Management Leads project management/workflow as it pertains to clients.
Creates a climate that inspires team members to exceed expectations.
Manages across all levels and is comfortable with senior leaders.
Collaborates with specialty practice areas (Digital, Creative, Research) and projects for clients beyond the communications scope.
Media & Social Monitoring Oversee the analysis of the news and social media environment. This activity should inform strategic thinking and recommendations around media collateral, media lists, potential recommendations, etc.
Media Engagement Media Relations: Fluent in media relations outreach strategies and tactics, including reporter relationship building, pitching, and interview staffing.
Media/Stakeholder Lists: Guides communications associate(s) in building targeted media and stakeholder lists to inform communications and outreach strategies.
Media/Stakeholder Relationships: Develops and cultivates a wide network of media and stakeholder relationships. Fosters at least one new media relationship per quarter on behalf of clients and identifies opportunities for other teams as they arise.
Experience developing media relations materials, including reporter briefings, press releases, and pitches.
Develops and pitches original story ideas to a diverse range of media. Supports communications associates in developing pitches. Ensures each story pitch is not only well written but is also grounded in meaningful datapoints and insights.
New Business Development Contributes to new business proposals and presentations.
Provides strategic direction and input when requested.
Develops or emerging business acumen to apply to new business opportunities.
Starts to develop new business skills and seeks out opportunities when possible.
Collaborates with specialty practice areas (Digital, Creative, Research) to develop upsell pitches for clients.
Experience and Qualifications 7–10 years’ experience in a communications role in an in‑house or consultancy environment.
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
Communications Experience: Implementing strategic communication programs for companies, organizations, and/or elected officials. Possesses a range of media relationships while being creative, energetic, and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit.
Verbal communication skills: Conveys messages clearly and confidently, actively listens, and adapts tone to the audience.
Creative, energetic, detail‑oriented and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit.
Proactive: Familiarity with keeping a finger on the pulse of the news cycle to come to internal and client calls with proactive ideas in real time. Does not shy away from raising a hand to take on assignments and support each of the client teams where needed.
Managing Up: Ability to manage up, keeping stakeholders informed of project status and taking personal ownership over timelines and delivery of work products.
Attention To Detail: Creates client‑ready, error‑free assignments.
Professionalism/Dependability: Consistently meets agreed‑upon deadlines and demonstrates effective follow‑through on short‑ and long‑term tasks. Willing to work overtime when necessary and maintains client confidentiality.
Personal Accountability: Demonstrates accountability for work, takes ownership of projects/workstreams, and seeks and incorporates feedback.

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