Strategic Partnerships Manager – Political & Public Affairs

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert in the political, government, and advocacy space, deeply understanding California policy initiatives, ballot measures, and legislative calendars.
• Avoid adopting a "Hunter" mentality to identify, qualify, and secure new revenue streams from political campaigns, PACs, trade associations, and public affairs firms across the West Coast.
• Conduct deep-dive campaign assessments to understand complex legislative or electoral objectives and design highly targeted multi-platform issue-advocacy solutions.
• Develop and deliver compelling marketing strategies utilizing McClatchy’s full suite of products, including high-impact display, programmatic geotargeting, social media amplification, CTV/OTT, and custom branded content.
• Build long-term, trust-based partnerships with leading political consultants, media buying agencies, and corporate advocacy directors.
• Maintain rigorous pipeline management and accurate records of sales activities, compliance tracking, and revenue forecasts within rapid-fire political windows using CRM tools.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience working directly with political campaigns, issue-advocacy groups, or within the California public affairs ecosystem.
• A strong background in digital marketing and advertising, with a proven track record of selling custom digital solutions (Programmatic, Social, First-Party Data targeting, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability in strategic prospecting, high-stakes negotiation, and closing business under tight deadlines through a persuasive, solutions-oriented approach.
• The ability to pivot instantly in a high-pressure, rapidly evolving political environment without losing quality, while collaborating constructively with cross-functional media teams.
• Exceptional presentation and writing skills with the ability to earn the trust of high-profile political operatives and translate policy goals into media strategies.

Requirements

• A combination of knowledge and experience equivalent to a B.A. or B.S. Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proficiency in HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalent CRM tools; daily CRM utilization for pipeline tracking is required.
• Must be located in California (Sacramento or Los Angeles regions preferred). A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and valid vehicle insurance are required for frequent regional travel.

Professional Offerings

• Compensation: Base salary plus commission with uncapped earning potential.
• Advancement: Clear opportunities for professional growth within a nationally recognized media organization.
• Benefits: Full suite of benefits including a 401(k) with company match.
• Culture: A fast-paced, professional, and mission-driven work environment aligned with major news cycles.