Senior Account Director, Social Impact & Issues Advocacy

Job Description

Job Description

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is a leading global communications agency built to navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world. We represent the icons and innovators shaping culture—from global heritage corporations and high-growth tech startups to the non-profits, creative legends, and visionary founders who define the global discourse.

Our expertise spans the full cultural spectrum. We operate at the intersection of entertainment, social impact, corporate reputation, and consumer lifestyle, executing seamlessly across traditional media, social-first outlets, brand partnerships, and influencer ecosystems. Whether we are navigating complex crisis management, elevating advocacy campaigns, or launching global consumer brands, we are storytellers at our core.

You may notice our digital presence is purposefully understated. While our clients are global household names, we believe the best work happens when the spotlight stays firmly on those we represent. We fly under the radar by design - preferring to let our campaigns, and our results, speak for themselves.

If you're driven, intentional, and ready to do good, we're ready for you!

SSM&L has an immediate opening for a  Senior Account Director to join our Social Impact & Issues Advocacy practice. We are looking for a strategist with at least 10 years of experience who is equally comfortable navigating the intricacies of U.S. civic engagement and the complexities of geopolitical conflict.

In 2026, the local is global. You are a modern storyteller who understands that a threat to democracy and a resource conflict in the Global South are often two sides of the same coin. You are able to provide creative counsel to domestic grassroots organizers and global non-profits alike, bridging the gap between local mobilization and international policy influence.

• High-Flex Narrative Architecture: Lead the development of 360-degree communications strategies that advance social change at every scale. You can architect a Get Out the Vote digital campaign in the morning and a global crisis response for an international human rights NGO in the afternoon.

• Strategic Thought Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to a diverse portfolio of clients—from state-level civic tech startups to multilateral global foundations. You use data-driven insights to prove how modern advocacy must be both hyper-local and globally aware to be impactful.

• Modern Media & Stakeholder Authority: Leverage a bi-focal network of media contacts. You are as comfortable pitching a local metro desk on community resilience as you are briefing a foreign correspondent on international aid transparency.

• Entrepreneurial Practice Growth: Partner with senior leadership to scale an Integrated Advocacy desk. You see the white space where domestic policy and global affairs intersect (e.g., climate migration, digital sovereignty) and proactively hunt for new business in those sectors.

• Integrated Leadership: Lead cross-functional account teams with a focus on agility. You oversee the evolution of best practices that allow your team to pivot resources quickly as the 2026 news cycle shifts from domestic election oversight to international developments.

• Mentorship & Hybrid Culture: Directly manage and empower a team of account leaders. You are a natural coach who fosters a culture of global citizenship, encouraging your team to understand how domestic civic trends influence international democratic norms.

• The Advocacy Generalist: You have 10+ years of experience in PR and communications, with a proven track record in both domestic political/civic campaigns and international social impact work.

• The Strategic Elasticity: You can set a big-picture global strategy and then pivot to lead a tactical boots-on-the-ground media activation. You excel at finding the human thread in complex geopolitical data.

• A Dynamic Communicator: You are a master of code-switching across audiences. You can write a persuasive op-ed for a rural local paper and a sophisticated white paper for a global summit with equal ease and authenticity.

• Politically Savvy & Geopolitically Aware: You have a deep understanding of the 2026 U.S. political landscape and a working knowledge of major global flashpoints. You understand how domestic midterm outcomes can ripple across the international stage.

• Master of Accounts: You are incredibly organized and calm under pressure. You excel at managing the financial and administrative health of high-stakes accounts that move at the speed of the 24-hour global news cycle.

Benefits x Perks

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Eligible employees at Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis may access these benefits, along with many additional perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).

SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

There’s more!

From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow. We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Industry series where industry thought leaders provide valuable insider info on how to work with them and their colleagues.