Fiona Hutton & Associates (FHA) is looking for a highly driven, innovative professional to join our West Coast strategic communications and public affairs agency as a Vice President. This senior leadership role will be centered on addressing some of California’s most pressing and important issues, including health equity, climate resiliency, drought, clean energy, workforce development, food security, infrastructure planning and much more.

Recognized as one of the nation’s top independent communications firms and a pacesetter in industry best practices, FHA specializes in reputation management, corporate communications, issues management, policy advocacy, regulatory challenges, litigation support, public outreach and awareness campaigns for a blue-chip client roster. You’re not a number here or a cog in a publicly traded conglomerate wheel, you’re a member of a tight knit team of independent thinkers who collaborate on innovative campaigns driving change and improving our state. With this position, you can make an enormous impact in one of California’s fastest growing public affairs agencies.

Our work and people are unique and featured nationally. FHA consistently earns high marks in annual rankings of public relations agencies, including 6^th in PR Week’s list of Top 10 US Public Affairs agencies, PRSA’s PRism Awards, Capitol Weekly’s Top 100 Influencers and the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top Disruptors.

COOL STUFF YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Create and manage integrated communications plans (creative, earned, owned, thought leadership, digital/social and partner engagement) for corporate, trade association, non-profit and public agency clients and oversee day-to-day quality execution
• Collaborate on development of innovative creative campaigns and compelling brand identities
• Drive story mining and oversee development of targeted messaging, top-notch content generation and communications tools
• Manage robust media and outreach campaigns and own relationships with key reporters and influencer groups
• Supervise account team and wide range of expert subcontractors, including designers, research firms, SMEs, etc.
• Effectively manage multi-functional, large-scale client budgets
• Amplify FHA vision, value proposition and culture internally and externally
• Ensure retention of team; serve as mentor and support professional development of junior staff
• Coach team members to become effective project managers and to think strategically about how to achieve client objectives
• Serve as a senior FHA ambassador in the community – attending industry and public affairs events
• Platform FHA’s respected brand to statewide and regional audiences
• Participate in new business and agency marketing; collaborate on proposals and lead presentations
• Contribute to the development of branded FHA products and services that stand out as industry best practices

GREAT THINGS WE’LL DO FOR YOU:

• Be clear about our mission and purpose – addressing some of California’s most important challenges and elevating our people
• Ensure you’re challenged and motivated by client engagement
• Drive a culture that celebrates and recognizes your accomplishments and links them to the growth of the team and agency as a whole
• Provide clear opportunities for advancement in a healthy and growing agency
• Provide a supportive environment that focuses on team first
• Host annual senior leadership workshop/retreat to drive strategic vision of the agency
• Focus on your skills training through our FHAcademy programming
• Structure monthly mentoring meetings and formalized performance evaluations with clear metrics
• Provide a transparent environment where company goals and metrics are shared
• Offer life balance and flexibility with a hybrid work schedule and remote days
• Provide employee engagement and employee recognition opportunities throughout the year
• Make sure you laugh, enjoy the camaraderie and have fun along the way

DESIRED SKILLSETS:

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in communications, public affairs, public relations or politics; direct experience in executing and managing statewide advocacy and communications programs
• Prior experience working in an agency setting required
• Demonstrated knowledge and established relationships within California’s corporate, political, policy and media landscapes
• Proven experience managing teams, driving retention/professional development and active performance management
• Understanding of agency financials; budget creation and management
• Demonstrable track record of success in a fast-paced, high stakes environment or on high-profile issues

WHAT WE OFFER:

“When you package the right team with the right tools, you get results!” We want all employees to feel valued through their work/life balance and compensation. As such, we offer competitive salaries and discretionary performance bonus, medical/dental/vision, 401k, PTO, professional development and mentoring, lunch and learns, team building events and employee recognition.

FHA embraces diversity, actively pursues equity, and cultivates an inclusive environment. We are committed to offering equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability.

This full-time salaried position will be located in the company’s Los Angeles or Sacramento office (hybrid model – 3 days a week in office). Salary $130,000 – $160,000 (plus performance bonus), depending on experience.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume via resume@fionahuttonassoc.com