Account Manager: Government Affairs

About the role

The hire will own the end-to-end lifecycle of a strategic portfolio of government affairs clients, driving retention, expansion, and long-term value. They will act as a trusted thought partner, advising clients on how to leverage National Journal's intelligence to navigate the complex policy environment in Washington. The role requires proactive identification of client needs and the translation of those needs into tailored solutions and relevant offerings. Success in this position will be defined by consistent over-performance against revenue and retention targets for an assigned book of business. The hire will build deep consultative relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations, positioning National Journal as an indispensable resource. They will own the full sales cycle, from relationship management and needs analysis to contract negotiation and executive-level renewals. This position demands strong judgment, disciplined follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The work directly supports National Journal's mission by ensuring government and business leaders have the insights required to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop and execute strategic account plans for a defined portfolio of government affairs clients, aligning National Journal solutions with evolving agency priorities and legislative calendars.

Identify and validate upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing client accounts, collaborating with internal teams to design targeted proposals that expand the scope of engagement.

Serve as the primary point of contact for all client interactions, ensuring timely responses to inquiries, managing expectations, and resolving issues before they escalate.

Analyze client usage patterns and engagement metrics to identify at-risk accounts and implement retention strategies that strengthen long-term partnership and reduce churn.

Own the end-to-end renewal process for assigned contracts, preparing tailored business reviews, articulating value propositions, and negotiating terms to secure multi-year agreements.

Build and maintain high-trust relationships with key decision-makers and influencers, positioning yourself as a strategic advisor who understands their organizational objectives and policy landscapes.

Collaborate with National Journal's product and editorial teams to provide feedback on client needs, informing the development of new offerings and enhancements that drive greater adoption and satisfaction.

Leverage deep expertise in government affairs trends and client industry verticals to deliver insightful counsel that helps clients anticipate regulatory shifts and strategic inflection points.

Manage a high volume of client interactions across multiple communication channels, maintaining organized records and ensuring consistent follow-through on all commitments.

Contribute to the overall revenue growth of the Member Services team by maintaining a rigorous pipeline of opportunities and forecasting performance accurately against targets.

Demonstrate ownership of client outcomes by conducting proactive check-ins, identifying new use cases for National Journal tools, and ensuring clients maximize their return on investment.

Represent National Journal at industry-relevant events and client meetings, reinforcing the brand's position as a trusted authority in government affairs and policy intelligence.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience, demonstrating a foundational understanding of business, communications, or a related discipline.

Applicants must have a proven track record of success in client-facing, revenue-generating roles, with at least three years of experience in government affairs, consulting, or a related field within the public policy sector.

You must have a documented history of exceeding performance quotas and achieving strong retention rates in previous positions, showing an innate ability to grow book of business.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to translate complex policy concepts into clear, actionable insights for executive-level stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, disciplined, and capable of managing multiple deadlines and priorities without sacrificing attention to detail or quality of work.

You should be comfortable navigating complex organizational environments and building relationships with stakeholders at various levels, from frontline staff to senior leadership.

A demonstrated understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes in Washington is required, including familiarity with how policy decisions impact business and organizational strategy.

Self-motivation and a growth mindset are non-negotiable, as the role requires continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in the face of evolving client needs and market conditions.

Nice to have

Experience with membership-based business models or recurring revenue environments is strongly preferred, as this role focuses on long-term client retention and expansion.

Familiarity with National Journal's suite of products, government affairs tools, and industry-specific research offerings is considered a significant advantage for accelerating client onboarding and value realization.

Background in policy advocacy, public affairs, or government relations roles provides a deeper contextual understanding that enhances the consultative nature of the position.

Proficiency in CRM platforms and sales productivity tools is preferred, enabling efficient management of client interactions, pipeline tracking, and accurate forecasting.

Experience working with C-suite executives and senior policy advisors is valued, as the role requires a high level of professionalism and comfort in senior-level discussions.

An understanding of data-driven decision-making and the ability to use analytics to inform sales strategies and demonstrate value to clients is highly desirable.

Practical notes

This is a salaried, full-time position based in Washington DC.

The role requires significant travel to client offices, industry events, and policy forums throughout the Washington region and may require occasional after-hours engagement to accommodate client schedules.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, as the position requires long-term stability and immediate availability.

The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to National Journal's standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all client interactions.