Public Affairs Sales Director

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 pioneers the best integration of data and technology to persuade audiences and deliver wins for Democratic and progressive candidates, causes, issues with the most efficient and effective digital advertising campaigns in politics and issue advocacy.
Optimal doesn’t just offer solutions -- we create them. Our team works hand-in-hand to develop and deploy leading-edge solutions, uniquely crafted to reach the audiences our clients need to be successful in both the public affairs and political arena.
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.