Senior Account Director, Strategy & Crisis

About the Role

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis has an immediate opening for a dynamic Senior Account Director to join our Public Affairs and Crisis practice. We are looking for a modern storyteller with at least 10 years of experience who understands that in 2026, a reputation is won or lost in the social zeitgeist and the digital-first newsroom. You are a seasoned strategist who knows that modern crisis management requires a multi-platform narrative that bridges the gap between high-level policy rooms and the rapid-fire ecosystem of social media. You possess the natural gravitas to counsel CEOs and founders through their most challenging moments, providing the creative vision and tactical precision needed to protect and repair brand integrity in an increasingly transparent world.

Responsibilities

• Reputation Narrative Architecture: Lead the development of 360-degree communications strategies for high-stakes public affairs and crisis accounts. Bridge the gap between traditional earned media, digital advocacy, and community-led storytelling to ensure every client's mission is resilient and heard.
• C-Suite & Crisis Counsel: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, founders, and boards of directors. Provide steady, thoughtful counsel through high-pressure situations, legal challenges, and complex industry shifts, using data-driven insights to prove the value of a modern proactive and reactive approach.
• Modern Media & Policy Authority: Leverage an elite network of contacts across national news, business, policy, and digital-first outlets. Architect narratives that shape public opinion and reach the people who matter most.
• Digital Crisis Strategy: Stay at the forefront of the attention economy. Understand how social algorithms, viral sentiment, and emerging digital platforms impact a client's reputation, and use that knowledge to guide real-time strategy during high-stakes moments.
• Integrated Leadership: Manage and direct multiple account teams, ensuring every campaign is fully integrated with brand strategy and digital creative. Translate complex policy issues or corporate challenges into narratives that resonate with the broader public.
• Business Development & Practice Growth: Lead high-stakes new business pitches and craft sophisticated proposals. Identify new revenue opportunities and expand the agency's footprint in the public affairs and social impact sectors.
• Mentorship & Team Building: Directly manage and empower a team of account leaders, with at least 4 years of previous management experience. Coach and build the careers of your staff while maintaining a culture of creative excellence under pressure.
• Relationship Driven: Lead by example in every interaction—prioritizing integrity, transparency, and professional poise with your team, your clients, and the media.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in public affairs, crisis communications, or corporate reputation, with a proven track record of leading major national and international accounts.
• At least 4 years of previous management experience.
• Proven ability to set big-picture strategy while leading tactical response teams.
• Master writer and presenter capable of translating complex legal or policy issues into compelling narratives for influential editors and audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with curiosity and desire to help build the future of the agency.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and excited to work with major global conglomerates, mission-driven non-profits, and startups.
• Incredibly organized and accountable, with excellence in managing the financial and administrative health of multiple high-profile accounts.
• Takes genuine pride in the quality of work and is energized by bringing stability and clarity to cultural moments.

Pay

$120,000 - $135,000 a year

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with matching
• Annual merit-based bonuses
• PTO
• Fertility benefits
• FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses
• Flexible work schedule
• Work from Anywhere program
• Summer Fridays
• Wellness Days
• 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries
• Collaborative workspaces (some offices with rooftops)
• Celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering
• Mentorship program from day one
• Training and mentoring throughout the year on professional and personal growth topics
• Teaching workshops structured for each level of the company
• Monthly Meet the Industry series with thought leaders