Director, Public Affairs

Job Title: Director, Public Affairs

Reports To: Founder & CEO
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Updated: July 2025
Salary Range: $120k – $135k

About KPM Group DC

KPM Group DC is a concierge public and government affairs firm. We provide strategic guidance to clients in need of a range of public and government affairs solutions to drive business success. Our clients are predominantly small to mid-sized emerging biopharmaceutical companies working to develop treatments for rare diseases and brain health conditions.

Here at KPM Group DC, we believe that building and maintaining relationships is key to the success of any business. Currently, KPM works on a hybrid schedule with four days a week remote and one day per week in an in-person setting.

At KPM Group DC, our values drive everything we do—from hiring, to which clients we support, to engaging externally with different stakeholders. Our firm’s values are as follows:

• Do What Is Right
• Express Gratitude
• Embrace Humility
• Continuous Drive Towards Excellence
• Stand Up to Inequities
• Act with Empathy

Job Summary

The Director, Public Affairs will lead the firm’s Public Affairs team, with a primary focus on government affairs, lobbying, and policy analysis, particularly in the area of healthcare policy. This position plays a critical role in developing and executing comprehensive advocacy strategies that advance client priorities at the federal and state levels.

The Director will oversee client engagement on legislative and regulatory matters, provide strategic counsel on navigating complex policy environments, and ensure high-quality service delivery that aligns with clients’ goals.

This role requires deep experience in government relations, leading a team, and policy analysis, as well as strong leadership and relationship management skills. The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, offering insights and guidance on policy trends, legislative developments, and government affairs strategies. Collaborating closely with the Public Affairs team, the Director will ensure integration of policy analysis and advocacy efforts in the broader public affairs strategy, driving client satisfaction and firm growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

Lead & Manage Public Affairs Team

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and oversight for the Public Affairs team to ensure high-quality service delivery and strategic alignment with client goals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability within the team.
• Conduct regular professional development activities, including:
  • Weekly one-on-one meetings with team members to support growth, address challenges, and provide feedback.
  • Annual performance reviews with clear, constructive evaluations and development plans.
  • Ongoing coaching, mentorship, and identification of external learning opportunities to advance team members’ skills.
• Oversee staffing and recruitment for the Public Affairs team, including interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees.
• Monitor individual and team performance; address issues promptly and constructively in accordance with company policies, including disciplinary action or terminations when necessary.
• Provide training and ensure all team members are equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to succeed.
• Ensure team compliance with internal policies and professional standards.

Serve as Client Experience Lead

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, serving as the primary point of contact for strategic discussions related to government affairs healthcare policy.
• Provide continuous leadership and accountability in creating and delivering a five-star experience for KPM clients.
• Design and implement mechanisms to capture client feedback and measure client satisfaction, utilizing data and analytics to drive insights and action.
• Partner across the firm to streamline workflows and enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of our services for clients.
• Oversee all client-related activities, providing high-level guidance on policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and stakeholder engagement to both internal teams and client representatives as needed.
• Work closely with senior leadership to develop a comprehensive client experience strategy aligned with the firm’s goals and objectives.

Contribute to Firm’s Thought Leadership Priorities

• Stay abreast of industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities related to government affairs and client experience.

Business Development Partner

• Work closely with the CEO to bring in new clients by participating in research, pitches, and more.

Skills and Abilities

• Deep expertise in federal government processes, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder dynamics. Working proficiency in state-level government affairs and policy environments preferred.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of driving business growth.
• Strong understanding of small business dynamics and the ability to navigate risk.
• Highly organized and proactive self-starter with excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including superb written and oral communication.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute initiatives that drive client satisfaction and business results.
• Client-focused with a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to anticipate client needs and deliver personalized, five-star service.
• Demonstrates ethics and integrity.
• Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Exhibits flexibility, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Works effectively in either office or remote settings.
• High degree of empathy, striving to treat others the way they want to be treated.
• Exhibits professionalism in interactions with the leadership team, colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Minimum B.S. or B.A.
• Proven experience in stakeholder relationship management, preferably within the government affairs or public policy sector.
• Position requires at least 5–7 years of experience working on Capitol Hill, within a trade association, or on a corporate government affairs team.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Able to travel as needed (10–15%).

Disclaimer

This is a representative description of the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Interested candidates should send their resume to Alex Root, KPM’s Director of Operations, [email protected]