Public Affairs Sales Director

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 Vice President of Business Development and the 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. 

• 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.

• 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 based in Washington, DC or New York, New York, however, we are open to remote work in other states. 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.

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