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
Altarum is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of individuals with fewer financial resources and populations disenfranchised by the health care system. We work primarily on behalf of federal and state governments to design and implement solutions that achieve measurable results. We combine our expertise in public health and health care delivery with technology development and implementation, practice transformation, training and technical assistance, quality improvement, data analytics, and applied research and evaluation. Our innovative solutions and proven processes lead to better value and health for all.
Altarum is an equal opportunity employer that provides employment and opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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