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.

• 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

• 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
• 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

• 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 work streams.
• 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.

• 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.
• Non-local employees will join these days virtually and may be asked to join us occasionally in-person.

• 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…