Managing Director, Digital Strategy

About the Organization

Bully Pulpit International is an outcomes-focused agency built around strategists, data scientists, and creatives. The team draws experience from politics, brands, and government, and works without silos to deliver measurable results. With more than 400 people across six countries and thirteen offices, the firm supports American and European clients through strategic communications, public affairs, research, and digital marketing.

Role Overview

The organization is looking for an experienced, results-oriented Managing Director to expand its Digital Communications practice across a portfolio of high-stakes public affairs clients. This senior leadership position sits at the crossroads of technology, business, politics, and public policy, combining disciplined digital consulting with the pace and experimentation of modern campaign work. The role reports to a Partner.

The Managing Director will guide complex, multi-channel digital programs and help grow the agency by overseeing a client portfolio averaging more than $2M in annual net revenue, influencing digital strategy, and supporting culture, talent development, and retention. The role also includes leading new business pursuits centered on digital work and representing the agency externally as a thought leader in technology and digital communications.

This position calls for a strong mix of strategic digital leadership, senior client counsel, team management, and business development experience, with deep grounding in the corporate sector.

Location and Work Arrangement

• Based in Washington, DC, with an expectation to work from the NYC, DC, Chicago, San Francisco, or Los Angeles office at least three days per week.

Compensation

• Starting salary is $200,000.

Key Responsibilities

Client and Account Leadership

• Act as a senior strategic advisor to Partners and executive leadership across a set of high-impact accounts, helping define client direction, long-term strategy, and integrated digital communications programs.
• Serve as the main senior contact for client relationships, working directly with C-suite and executive decision-makers to shape priorities, anticipate needs, and ensure polished delivery of complex digital and strategic communications work.
• Lead strategic development across narrative, messaging, campaign architecture, and multi-platform content, while providing thorough review, direction, and final approval on deliverables such as memos, briefs, digital assets, presentations, and paid social materials.
• Stay current on political, cultural, policy, and technology developments and translate changes quickly into practical advice and strategic adjustments for clients.

Team Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing multidisciplinary team through coaching, real-time feedback, and career development planning.
• Set a strong standard for operational performance so work is delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to client priorities.
• Encourage collaboration across offices and disciplines, connecting digital, creative, strategy, public affairs, and analytics teams.
• Communicate clearly and transparently, giving teams the context and direction they need to succeed in a fast-moving client environment.

New Business and Market Growth

• Work with senior leaders to generate, shape, and close major new business opportunities, including strategy development, proposals, and pitch presentations for complex digital and communications programs.
• Grow the client base by strengthening relationships with current clients and identifying, developing, and converting new prospects.
• Independently create proposal materials, strategic frameworks, and scopes of work with minimal supervision.
• Raise the firm's visibility and credibility by building senior industry relationships, attending key events, and strengthening an external profile.
• Contribute case studies, thought leadership, POVs, and other content that builds the agency's reputation in digital communications and supports your standing as an industry expert.
• Help identify and recruit strong leaders who can enhance the agency’s talent and culture.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of progressive senior experience in communications and public affairs, including leadership in an integrated agency or consulting environment.
• Strong experience advising executive-level corporate clients on high-stakes reputation and policy matters.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a multi-million-dollar client portfolio, with responsibility for profitability and revenue targets, and a trajectory toward $2M–$3M in annual net revenue.
• Demonstrated success winning new business and leading large, complex pitch processes.
• Excellent executive-level communication and presentation skills, with the ability to turn complicated policy or technical subjects into clear and persuasive narratives.
• Deep understanding of the current political, media, and cultural landscape, plus experience running integrated campaigns that combine earned, owned, and paid media.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, onsite role.

About the Hiring Company

Bully Pulpit International works across strategic communications, public affairs, research, and digital marketing, serving clients in both the American and European markets. The firm emphasizes measurable outcomes, cross-functional collaboration, and customized strategies designed to create change.