Account Director, Palladian Partners (Contingent)

We’re excited to share an upcoming opportunity pending a contract award and are connecting with qualified candidates in advance. Once we identify the right candidate, we anticipate extending a contingent offer, with employment dependent on final award confirmation and funding.
At Altarum, we’re driven by a simple but powerful mission: improving the health of individuals with fewer financial resources and populations underserved by the healthcare system. We partner with federal and state agencies to design and deliver solutions that make a real, measurable difference.
In this role, you’ll join Palladian Partners, Altarum Enterprise’s full-service marketing and communications team, collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions for our clients.
Account Directors manage complex work, projects, and teams, from the conceptual phase to execution and evaluation; have demonstrated specialized knowledge of their discipline (e.g., strategic communications, marketing, PR, digital strategy); design integrated solutions; ensure quality work product; and manage and develop talent. Client-facing directors manage key accounts with little supervision and coordinate up, down, and across teams and accounts to communicate daily with teams regarding client needs. Account Directors have a proven track record of developing and maintaining strong client relationships.

What You'll Do

  • Oversee and direct planning, research, content, and strategy development of complex efforts

  • Be a trusted advisor to clients and external partners who touch the client’s business, as well as with internal project teams

  • Take responsibility and accountability for larger projects, including the work and the process

  • Create momentum within the team to deliver high quality work and identify opportunities to drive growth

  • Think one step ahead, identifying potential opportunities and next steps needed, flagging risks, and coming up with solutions for how the team can fulfil or overcome them

  • Provide direction and feedback to junior team members in daily and ongoing responsibilities; mentoring them for growth within the team

  • Design and implement process improvement efforts in strategic and innovative ways

  • Prioritize and delegate assignments and requirements, as needed

  • Model and encourage company values

  • Influence decisions and drive change

  • Participate in the hiring and onboarding of new team members

  • Help drive the new business process including organic growth

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public health, or related field

  • 8+ years of experience in communications and/or project management; health focus preferred

  • Prior communications firm and/or government or government consulting experience preferred

  • A Ph.D. may be substituted for 3 years of required experience with a master’s degree or for 4 years with a bachelor’s degree

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills

    • Action-oriented, organized, proactive, and adaptable approach to complex account and team management and development

    • Demonstrated track record in building team and client relationships and delivering programs

    • Broad-based exposure to all skill areas, including discipline (e.g., strategic communications, marketing, PR, digital strategy), news business development, writing and presentations, media relations, and consultative selling

    • Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to customer service

Why Join Our Team?

  • Lead high-impact, integrated communications work from strategy through execution and evaluation, helping shape solutions that solve complex client challenges.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and partners while building strong relationships and driving momentum across accounts, teams, and workstreams.
  • Grow and mentor talent by guiding junior team members, providing thoughtful feedback, and creating an environment where people can do their best work.
  • Join a team that values proactive leadership, smart problem-solving, quality work, and continuous improvement while contributing to new business and organic growth.
  • Where You'll Work

  • Remote with occasional in-person collaboration days
  • If you’re near one of our offices (Silver Spring, MD; or Novi, MI), you’ll join us in person one day every other month (6 times per year) for a fun, purpose-driven Collaboration Day. These days are filled with creative energy, meaningful connection, and team brainstorming!
  • Non-local employees will join these days virtually and may be asked to join us occasionally in-person.
  • Work Eligibility & Requirements

  • Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.
  • All work must be performed within the continental U.S. for the duration of employment, unless required by contract.
  • Ability to work core hours aligned with Eastern Time, unless otherwise approved by your manager.
  • Remote employees must maintain a dedicated, ergonomically appropriate workspace free from distractions, with reliable internet and a mobile device that supports efficient work.
  • Federal Clearance & Badging

  • Because this role supports federal clients, you’ll need to complete a federal background investigation to determine your suitability for federal employment.
  • You may also be required to obtain an HHS Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Badge in addition to Palladian’s standard background process.
  • Learn more about the federal suitability and PIV process here: https://ors.od.nih.gov/ser/dpsac/applicants-employees/DPSAC-process-overview/adjudication-branch/Pages/suitability-criteria.aspx
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