Account Director, Issue Advocacy & Social Impact

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 with 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! Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis has an immediate opening for a strategic Account Director to join our Issue Advocacy practice in Washington, D.C. We are seeking a modern storyteller with at least eight years of experience, deep and trusted relationships across national and top-tier media, and a proven ability to secure earned coverage that shapes public conversation and drives real-world impact. You understand that progress in 2026 is built at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, corporate responsibility, and culture; and that complex ideas must translate into compelling stories that land far beyond the Beltway. You develop sharp media strategies, lead proactive and rapid-response engagement with journalists, and consistently place clients in the outlets and platforms that influence the country. Our DC office operates as a two-way bridge, bringing the full strength of the firm into Washington while carrying Washington into national cultural, corporate, and creative conversations. We help clients outside D.C. navigate the policy landscape and help D.C.-based leaders break into mainstream media and expand their influence. This role requires creativity, initiative, and strong story-mining instincts, shaping clear narratives, and driving sustained, proactive visibility. You are as comfortable advising a CEO or foundation president as you are pitching a top-tier reporter, and you bring steady counsel, high standards, and a deeply collaborative approach. The Role Advocacy Narrative Architecture: Lead development of 360-degree communications campaigns for social good and advocacy clients. Bridge the gap between traditional media, digital mobilization, and creative content to ensure that complex issues are distilled into a narrative that moves the needle. Movement Building & Strategy: Act as a primary architect for issue-focused campaigns, CSR initiatives, and high-impact events. Navigate stakeholders and thought leaders to build coalitions that drive long-term social impact. Modern Media & Cultural Authority: Leverage an elite network of reporters and stakeholders. Architect media strategies that reach voters and decision-makers where they live—online and offline. Policy Translation: Distill complicated policy efforts into persuasive, mainstream consumer speak. Turn dense legislative language into an inspiring story that captures the public imagination. Executive Counsel & Leadership: Serve as a trusted daily advisor to clients, providing thoughtful counsel through sensitive issues and high-pressure moments. Lead with accountability, managing teams and ensuring that every strategic goal is met with precision. Integrated Collaboration: Partner with senior colleagues across national offices on integrated accounts involving brand integration, influencer strategy, and digital creative. While not expected to be fluent in all, the opportunity to work across should excite you. Business Development: Lead new business meetings and assist in crafting sophisticated proposals. Be an entrepreneurial force, proactive about identifying new opportunities for clients and the agency. Mentorship: Proactively train and mentor junior staff on the inner workings of policy, PR, and execution of social good movements. A natural coach invested in professional growth. Relationship Driven: Build trust and shared purpose. Lead by example in every interaction—prioritizing integrity, transparency, and professional poise with team, clients, and media. Who You Are Advocacy Specialist: At least 8 years of experience in media relations, specifically as a communications director, press secretary, or similar role in government or nonprofit. Strategic Architect: Outside-the-box thinker who can set a big-picture strategy and lead media pitching. Establish systems to promote communication flow among diverse groups. Multidisciplinary Experience: Worked in corporate social responsibility, community engagement, or public sector. Eager to work with diverse clients. Exceptional Storyteller: Strong, persuasive, concise, creative writer who translates complex social issues into compelling narratives. Entrepreneurial & Agile: Curious, thrives in fast-paced environment, takes pride in quality and impact. Meticulously Organized: Manages multiple projects simultaneously, detail-oriented and owns accounts and team performance. Driven by Purpose: Passionate about social movements, climate crisis, justice, equity. Over-delivers and cares about tangible difference. Collaborative, Kind Teammate: Supports teammates, leads with generosity, respects, and fosters a positive culture. $90,000 - $110,000 a year Benefits x Perks We go well beyond the benefits you’re looking for such as medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. We also offer 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 with collaborative workspaces, 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 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 provide more than enough tools to learn and grow. We offer year‑round training on professional and personal growth topics. We have a series of teaching workshops for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take advantage of the monthly Meet the Industry series with thought leaders providing insider info on how to work with them and colleagues. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis