Account Executive (Public Affairs & Advocacy)

Tunnl
Washington, DC
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward sales professionals comfortable with quota-based selling and cultivating relationships in the public affairs & advocacy domain, with a focus on tech-based SaaS products and hybrid work arrangements in the DC Metro Area.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years of public affairs & advocacy sales experience and a track record in data-driven solutions
    — “5+ years of successful experience in direct selling within the public affairs & advocacy market”
  • Individuals who have managed sales processes from lead generation to closure and can thrive in fast-paced environments
    — “Experience managing the sales process from lead generation to closure”
  • Professionals with a background in tech-based SaaS product sales and familiarity with Microsoft tools
    — “Previous experience in tech-based SaaS product sales is highly preferred”

Things to consider

  • The role demands consistent performance against a $500k-$750k annual sales quota, which may require significant time and effort.
    — “This is a quota based position and the selected candidate will be measured against hitting an estimated $500k-$750k annual target”
  • The position requires in-office presence in the Washington, DC office, despite a flexible hybrid work policy.
    — “The Director will report to the VP of Sales and will be located in our Washington, DC office.”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize your experience in closing new business within the public affairs & advocacy market.
    — “drive this advancement through building and developing new partnerships in the space”
  • Highlight your ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities with a proactive mindset.
    — “proactive approach to identifying and pursuing new business opportunities”
  • Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with internal teams like engineering and product.
    — “Collaborate with internal teams including engineering, product, and account management”
  • Showcase your experience with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel in client-facing roles.
    — “Proficient in the Microsoft suite of products including Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel”
  • Position yourself as a relationship-builder who drives client satisfaction and long-term value.
    — “Build and manage trust and value-led relationships with existing and prospective clients”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • new business development
  • client satisfaction
  • sales targets achievement
Typical background
5+ years of successful experience in direct selling within the public affairs & advocacy market

Skills & requirements

Required

ProspectingClosing DealsClient Relationship ManagementMarket AnalysisCollaboration With Internal TeamsSales Strategy Development

Preferred

Public AffairsAdvocacyData And Market Research Sales

Stack & domain

ProspectingClosingRelationship BuildingLeadershipCommunicationTeamworkPublic AffairsAdvocacyMarket Research

About the role

Original posting from Tunnl via Ashby

About Tunnl

Tunnl is building a future where artificial intelligence enables organizations to connect meaningfully with the people who matter most. We help organizations conduct research at scale, define the right audiences, surface real-time insights, identify optimal communication channels, and measure changing attitudes over time.

Tunnl serves brands, agencies, and advocacy groups alike - organizations navigating complex communications, reputational, and regulatory landscapes. These teams need smarter, faster ways to make audience-informed decisions that stand up to scrutiny and resonate across stakeholder groups. Whether you're building a brand, shaping public opinion, managing risk, or launching a new initiative, Tunnl empowers you to move from insight to impact with clarity & confidence.

The Role

As a fast-growing tech company at the forefront of audience intelligence innovation, Tunnl is exceptionally placed to build and grow relationships within the public affairs and advocacy market. Account Executives will drive this advancement through building and developing new partnerships in the space and leveraging Tunnl’s unique technology & approach to position clients for ideal outcomes.

Ideal candidates will excel at proactive prospecting, enjoy the challenge and excitement of building and closing new business, and bring a self-starting, goal-oriented attitude to the team. This is a quota based position and the selected candidate will be measured against hitting an estimated $500k-$750k annual target.

The Director will report to the VP of Sales and will be located in our Washington, DC office. 

Responsibilities

  • Source, close and manage a book of new logos in the public affairs and advocacy space to be measured against an annual quota (estimated between $500k-$750k)
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry partners, and key stakeholders to identify new business opportunities 
  • Build and manage trust and value-led relationships with existing and prospective clients to maximize solutions and satisfaction
  • Maintain clear understanding of Tunnl’s primary clients’ industry trends, economic sectors, and market dynamics
  • Collaborate with internal teams including engineering, product, and account management to ensure seamless implementation of the product for clients
  • Develop strategies and plans for developing and deepening client accounts 
  • Provide regular reports and updates to the VP of Sales on business development activities, progress, and results
  • Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote brand awareness and generate leads

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of successful experience in direct selling within the public affairs & advocacy market, ideally with a background in data and/or market research sales
  • Experience managing the sales process from lead generation to closure
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
  • Bring a strong drive to meet and exceed sales targets
  • Demonstrated ability to set and achieve measurable outcomes
  • Have a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
  • Skilled in building and cultivating relationships
  • Passionate about being a key contributor in business growth and committed to helping businesses thrive
  • Proficient in the Microsoft suite of products including Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel 
  • Previous experience in tech-based SaaS product sales is highly preferred
  • Experience working with HubSpot is a plus

Why You Should Apply:

  • Join a team driven by curiosity, teamwork, integrity, and a shared passion for solving big challenges.
  • A friendly, welcoming, and supportive culture with regular social and team events.
  • Comprehensive benefits with excellent medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
  • Employer-paid life insurance & short-term & long-term disability, with other voluntary additional coverage available (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity).
  • Flexible hybrid work policy.
  • Flexible paid vacation plus 80 hours of paid sick leave.
  • 10 paid company holidays per year.
  • 401(k) plan with 100% match up to 3%, plus 50% match up to 5% (subject to IRS limits).
  • Cell phone reimbursement stipend.
  • Monthly parking or commuter stipend for VA-based employees.

Source: Tunnl careers (Ashby)

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