As an Associate Consultant in APCO’s Geo-Commerce and Public Affairs team you will work with a diverse group of talented and collaborative colleagues across the U.S. as well as globally.
You will play a key role in coordinating and driving client projects, as well as supporting execution and engagement of high-profile government relations, communications and stakeholder engagement programs.
You will support clients, including global executives and public affairs leaders, in developing and executing policy-focused earned media strategies that advance policy and business objectives. The selected candidate will have a deep knowledge of the geopolitical and policy issues affecting global companies and their key stakeholders, as well as how the media covers and engages on these issues.
This role demands curiosity, empathy, high energy and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zones. You are expected to write persuasively; engage business, financial and policy-specific reporters and influencers; offer creative ideas that solve client problems; and be deeply analytical yet practical and action-oriented.
You will have the opportunity to support inter-disciplinary teams, manage competing priorities and deadlines, and ensure flawless client support under tight deadlines while staying abreast of current events at the national and international level. There is an expectation you will work across disciplines: public affairs & policy, corporate affairs, issues and crisis management, financial and antitrust, media relations, and digital engagement.
Responsibilities:
- Counsel clients on complex geopolitical, corporate affairs and reputational issues, developing a strong understanding and analysis of their issues
- Lead research and regulatory analysis, particularly relating to issues such as cross-border trade and investment, national security and tech policy (e.g. cybersecurity; data governance; privacy; etc.)
- Produce high-quality, client-ready written deliverables, such as messaging, media pitches, white papers, issue briefings, strategy presentations, communication toolkits and/or social media strategies, often under tight deadlines
- Conduct outreach and engagement with external stakeholders that may include media, policymakers, NGO and business leaders, supporting both client and APCO team efforts
- Build media and execute strategies leading to high-impact commentary through proactive and reactive engagement and pitches
- Counsel clients on media engagement
- Manage clients’ expectations, earning their respect, trust and confidence through proactive account management to successfully maintain and grow client relationships
- Support project programming, including implementation plans, staffing plans, budgets, timelines and measurement/evaluation
- Manage day-to-day activities to support team and client mobilization
- Monitor and stay abreast of external developments in client sectors and issue areas, and identify opportunities for further client engagement
Qualifications
- A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant experience. Experience in a consulting/advisory firm or in a similar client-service role is desirable
- Keen understanding of the workings of Washington D.C. and D.C.-based media, as well as the public affairs issues faced by global businesses, domestically and in international markets, particularly in the context of geopolitical relationships, including U.S.-China, U.S.-GCC and U.S.-Europe relations
- Bachelor’s / Master’s degree from an accredited university in International Affairs, Business, Journalism, Political Science, Communications, or other related fields
- Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and client initiatives and teams of both junior and senior colleagues in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent client management and interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client relationships and communicate effectively by phone, email, and in-person
- Exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills with the ability to think strategically and creatively under tight deadlines.
Compensation Range
The US base salary for this position ranges from $60,000/year to $70,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.
Careers at APCO
Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.