Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Public Affairs Sales Director

Full-time

Optimal

Optimal is hiring a Public Affairs Sales Director to further solidify Optimal as the leader in targeted advertising for Democratic and progressive digital campaigns by growing our presence in the market. 

Optimal works hard to provide our clients with innovative solutions based on the diverse perspectives of our team. To that end, we’re committed to recruiting team members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Optimal is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, national and ethnic origins, disabilities, marital status, veteran status and all backgrounds. Optimal job offers are contingent on the results of a background check.

We’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please apply!


Who Are We? 

Optimal is a performance marketing agency on a mission, bringing together the best data, technology, and people to achieve our clients’ marketing goals. Brand, campaign, or cause: we maximize performance at every moment. 

We are not only digital media strategists – we’re award-winning industry leaders, with deep knowledge spanning all things digital: from advertising and paid media to marketing and communications, to audience data and analytics, we deliver for our clients.

Everyone at Optimal has the opportunity to learn, grow, and progress. We provide our team with the personal and professional development they need to achieve real career advancement. 

We’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please apply!

About the Position
The Public Affairs Sales Director supports the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Business Development team. Responsible for driving revenue through developing new public affairs relationships while also maintaining and expanding our existing client relationships. Responsible for soliciting and responding to RFPs, developing strategic media budgets and plans, and developing and executing outreach and visibility strategies. Works in conjunction with Business Development to help reach sales quotas within the Public Affairs vertical. Drives revenue through maintaining and expanding existing client relationships and forming new ones. Writes RFPs, budgets, and media plans. Understands job duties and largely works independently but asks for assistance as needed. 
  • Proactively lead the sales process, following up on leads, sourcing RFPs, writing proposals, networking and sourcing new business, and pitching to current and potential clients. 
  • Works with Senior Leadership to set sales goals, and takes accountability for achieving them.
  • Partner with clients to provide exceptional customer service and creatively solve problems.
  • Manage outreach to new clients through cold calls and emails
  • Successfully perform online demos and in-person pitches to achieve new sales
  • Develop and execute client-focused strategic media plans and associated budgets.
  • Manage and maintain pre-existing relationships with a network of progressives, media consultants and public affairs firm
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Our ideal candidate may also have extensive experience in some or all of the following:

  • Building a network of consultants and contacts in the Public Affairs, Democratic and progressive, digital, and/or political market.
  • Managing multiple projects on tight deadlines.
  • Strong track record of creating and managing sales plans.
  • Creative mind, goal-oriented mindset with demonstrated results.
  • Ability to thrive in an environment where structure and flexibility combine to meet clients’ needs.
  • Proficiency with project management tools, such as Asana.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Optimal is proud to offer: 

  • Base salary that commensurates with experience with an opportunity for limitless earning potential via commissions.  
  • Open leave (paid time off)
  • Paid leave for new parents
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision with Nationwide Coverage
  • Flex Spending Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401K with company matching
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Rewards and recognition programs
  • Mobile phone & home internet reimbursement and much more!

This position is remote friendly. We work on a hybrid basis with many team members working entirely from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.



 

Please visit our to learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context.

Vacancy posted 8 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Public Affairs Sales Director in Washington DC vacancy
  •  ...Job Description Job Description Optimal is hiring a Public Affairs Sales Director to further solidify Optimal as the leader in targeted advertising for Democratic and progressive digital campaigns by growing our presence in the market.  Optimal works hard to provide... 
    Suggested
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Monday to Friday
    Afternoon shift

    Optimal

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  • Broughton Group is hiring an experienced Account Director to lead public affairs and communications initiatives from our Washington, DC office. This hybrid role requires strong media relationships and client management experience. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years... 
    Suggested
    Work at office

    Broughton Group

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago
  • $152.7k - $267.3k

    About the Department Novo Nordisk's Market Access and Public Affairs team engages diverse stakeholders across political and healthcare landscapes...  ...potential? The Position The Associate Public Affairs Policy Director works on complex issues that require an in‑depth knowledge of... 
    Suggested
    Local area
    Flexible hours
    Night shift

    Merck & Co.

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago
  • $169.28k - $197.2k

    Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist (Director), IS-1035-15 Application Deadline: 3 June 2026 Department: Office of Public Affairs Employment Type: Full Time Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $169,279 - $197,200 / year Description Open Date: May 20, 2026 Closing... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Contract work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Relocation
    Flexible hours

    Smithsonian Institution

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  •  ...Associate Managing Director Our client is a Washington DC Law Firm and they are seeking an Associate Managing Director...  ...water policy experience to join our growing Regulatory, Public Policy and Government Affairs Practice. Expected responsibilities will include, but will... 
    Suggested
    Work at office
    Local area
    Home office

    Graham

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  • $84.2k - $147.4k

     ...spokespeople at all levels for external-facing engagements. Basic Qualifications ~5+ years of recent professional communications or public relations experience ~ Bachelor's degree Preferred Qualifications Experience leading and collaborating with a large cross... 
    Seasonal work
    Flexible hours

    Amazon

    Arlington, VA
    3 days ago
  • $150k - $200k

     ...Senior Public Relations Manager Interested in working in one of the most dynamic and energetic marketing departments in the country...  ...Core responsibilities include closely aligning with the CMO, Director of Marketing, and firm leadership to create strategic PR plans... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Work at office
    Local area

    Polsinelli

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $139.4k - $188.5k

     ...colleagues successfully tell stories in their own regions. Basic Qualifications ~7+ years of recent professional communications or public relations experience ~ Bachelor's degree Preferred Qualifications Experience conveying complex technical concepts to both... 
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Amazon

    Arlington, VA
    3 days ago
  •  ...Head of US Public Relations About the Company Internationally renowned corporate law firm Industry Legal Services Type...  ...for firm and practice leaders. Hiring Manager Title Global Director of Communications Travel Percent Less than 10% Functions... 

    Confidential

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  •  ...relevance, and alignment with brand standards Maintain photo and video library Fundraising Campaigns - 30% Support the Director of Development and Comms to develop campaign strategy and storylines that elevate the key priorities of the strategic plan and clearly... 

    Collaborative Solutions for Communities

    Washington DC
    16 days ago
  • $58k - $109k

     ...Senior Public Relations Coordinator Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is seeking a Senior Public Relations Coordinator to join our team. This position sits at the center of how the firm communicates — externally with the media and market, and internally with its own people... 
    Flexible hours

    Womble Bond Dickinson LLP

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  •  ...Senior Public Relations (PR) Manager We have partnered with a law firm in New York, NY. Our client is looking to add a Senior Public Relations (PR) Manager to their New York, NY or Washington, DC office. Please read the below description and let us know if you are... 
    Work at office
    Local area
    Work from home
    Worldwide
    3 days per week

    Cyfle

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago
  • $130k - $160k

     ...in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong. About the Role The Public Relations Manager - Litigation & Trial is an integral part of Latham's Brand & Communications team. This role will be responsible... 
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Latham & Watkins

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  •  ...JOB DESCRIPTION Public Relations Manager DIVISION: Departmental TITLE: Public Relations Manager DEPARTMENT: Communications DATE: 2/23/2026 REPORTS TO: Director of Communications HOURS: Typically between 5–10 hours per week CLASSIFICATION: At-Will... 
    Work experience placement
    Local area
    Remote work
    10 hours per week
    Flexible hours

    Beyond the Ballot

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  •  ...that support Fannie Mae's business priorities and reputation. The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy,...  ...Minimum Required Experiences ~8 years of experience in public relations, communications, and/or media relations. ~ Corporate... 
    Work at office
    Remote work

    Fannie Mae

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  • $60k

    The Ecological Society of America invites applications for a new Marketing and Communications Manager to join our Member Services team beginning in July 2026. This is a new position that will work across the organization to help us grow and nurture our audiences, ...
    Work at office

    Ecological Society of America

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  • $175k - $200k

     ...Apply" buttonand sending us your resume. Salary: $175,000 - $200,000 per year A bit about us: Top Am100 Law Firm seeks to add a Senior Public Relations Manager to their team! Candidates for this role, must have an Am200 Law firm background! You will be responsible for the... 
    Temporary work
    Local area

    Jobot

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $75k - $100k

     ...communicate complex issues. There will be exposure to managing events, publications, and communications products. They will lead on the...  ...the media strategy under the direction and guidance from the Director of Communications, North America. They will play a... 
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    3 days per week

    ONE Campaign

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  •  ...Senior Public Relations Manager The Brand Guild is a full-service communications agency that crafts and tells the stories of iconic brands - we partner with the developers, placemakers, architects, and visionaries who are shaping cities and creating the neighborhoods... 
    Work at office
    Local area

    The Brand Guild

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  •  ...internet. This is a media relations role at its core. Think of it as sales, with journalists as your customers. You will report to...  ...Transport: getting to the office shouldn't cost you. We cover public transport, bike allowances, or parking, whichever works for you.... 
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Proton Limited

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $75k - $120k

     ...media engagement for one of the world's leading public policy organizations. This role is responsible...  .... This position reports to the Associate Director of Media Relations and works closely with scholars, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Publications, Digital, and... 
    Full time
    Remote work

    Cato Institute

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago
  • $107.07k - $171.32k

     ...Location: Washington, D.C. Team Overview As the Director of Media and Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF's public voice....  ...field. ~8+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications. ~3+ years of experience leading... 
    Work at office

    Alliance Defending Freedom

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago
  •  ...and demonstrated experience in media relations to join our team. This role supports science, technology, health, and other complex public-interest initiatives through clear, audience-centered communications across earned, owned, and digital channels. This position requires... 
    Temporary work
    Local area
    Home office
    Flexible hours
    Shift work

    Spire Communications

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  • $100k - $125k

    Regulatory, Public Policy, and Government Affairs Associate Managing Director - Washington, DC Posted on April 27, 2026 Responsibilities Supporting the Dentons Federal Public Policy team on all clients and projects related to natural resources and water policy issues,... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area

    Dentons

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  •  ...teamwork, and documentation skills in a mission-focused delivery environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting public sector, defense, or mission-focused digital communications programs. Familiarity with audience analytics, user-centered design... 
    Full time
    Contract work
    Part time

    Rividium Inc

    Alexandria, VA
    11 hours ago
  • $100k

    Lead Media Relations Manager Popular Democracy is seeking a Lead Media Relations Manager to join the Communications and Narrative Department. This is a full-time, exempt position. Popular Democracy works to promote equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership...
    Full time

    Center for Popular Democracy

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $75k - $85k

     ...Secretary Department: Communications Reports to: Communications Director Suggested Salary Range: $75,000.00 to $85,000.00 annually...  ...Policy, Political, and Research teams to produce materials for public or near-public distribution, ensuring message alignment and... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work

    Democratic Attorneys General Association

    Washington DC
    3 days ago
  •  ...interaction with senior leaders. ABOUT URBAN LEGEND: Urban Legend is a technology startup that is disrupting old-school public affairs marketing. We have two big goals: 1) making advocacy and brand marketing dramatically more accountable, and 2) empowering creators... 
    Shift work

    Urban Legend

    Alexandria, VA
    2 days ago
  • A leading energy organization is looking for a Manager, Public Affairs to support national and state-level advocacy initiatives. The role requires collaboration with companies, execution of campaigning strategies, and monitoring advocacy initiatives. Candidates should... 

    Edison Electric Institute

    Washington DC
    1 day ago
  • $115k - $125k

     ...About the Job Stanton Communications, an award-winning, independent public relations and public affairs agency, is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking senior professional to join our team. With decades of blending serious strategic thinking with client service excellence... 
    Full time
    Flexible hours

    Stanton Communications

    Washington DC
    11 hours ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Public Affairs Sales Director. Be the first to apply!