Vice President, Client Services

Title:   Vice President, Client Services

Location:  Chicago, IL

Type:  Full-time

ABOUT US

Handshake is a boutique consulting firm based in Chicago, with offices in New York City and Miami, operating at the intersection of business, influence, partnerships, and global convenings. We work with leading companies, executives, foundations, and institutions to build strategic relationships, shape positioning, and execute high-impact initiatives that drive commercial, reputational, and strategic value.

Our work spans strategic advisory, stakeholder engagement, executive positioning, partnership development, and large-scale activations connected to major global events and industry platforms. We work across sectors including healthcare, sports, sustainability, philanthropy, technology, and public-private partnerships.

Handshakes operates with a lean, entrepreneurial structure. Team members are expected to collaborate across functions, manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, and maintain a high level of professionalism, judgment, and attention to detail. We value intellectual curiosity, operational excellence, strong communication skills, and people who are comfortable operating in fast-moving environments.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The VP, Client Services role leads complex, high-profile client relationships and integrated engagements spanning strategic advisory, communications, partnerships, programming, convenings, and operations. Working closely with Managing Directors and senior client leaders, this individual helps clients strengthen their positioning, shape important agendas, navigate global moments, and convert strategy into measurable impact.

The VP role also plays a key leadership role across the firm, building trusted advisory relationships, developing original strategic thinking, leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring Account Directors and consultants, improving client delivery, and expanding Handshake's capabilities and relationships.

Role & Responsibilities

Senior Client Leadership

• Serve as the senior strategic lead for a portfolio of complex, high-profile client engagements.
• Build trusted, long-term advisory relationships with senior client leaders by serving as a strategic thought partner, not simply an account manager.
• Advise senior executives on strategic positioning, reputation, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities to advance business and societal objectives.
• Lead executive-level client meetings, facilitate sound decision-making, and provide clear recommendations in complex or sensitive situations.
• Anticipate client needs, identify opportunities to expand relationships, and deliver additional long-term value.
• Operate with a high degree of ownership, sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in fast-paced, high-profile environments.
• Maintain accountability for the overall quality, impact, financial health, and client satisfaction of assigned engagements.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client's goals, operating environment, stakeholders, risks, and long-term ambitions.

Strategic Advisory and Global Platforms

• Advise senior executives on strategic positioning around major global moments and platforms, including WEF, UNGA, COP, the Vatican, and other international convenings.
• Produce original strategic thinking through concept notes, briefing materials, research, and recommendations that help clients shape agendas rather than simply participate in them.
• Identify emerging geopolitical, economic, and societal trends and translate them into actionable opportunities for clients.
• Develop positioning strategies, executive messaging, thought leadership, media strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, and integrated communications programs.
• Ensure strategies connect client objectives to broader business, policy, societal, and reputational considerations and are supported by clear plans for execution.

Convenings, Partnerships, and Integrated Delivery

• Design and execute high-level convenings that bring together CEOs, policymakers, investors, philanthropists, faith leaders, and other influential stakeholders to drive meaningful outcomes.
• Develop institutional partnerships across the private, public, nonprofit, and multilateral sectors, often involving complex stakeholder management and long-term relationship building.
• Lead cross-functional teams that combine strategy, communications, partnerships, programming, events, and operations to deliver integrated client engagements.
• Shape convening strategies, agendas, participant ecosystems, stakeholder outreach, and follow-through plans that advance client priorities.
• Balance strategic thinking with flawless execution, recognizing that the work requires both exceptional ideas and the ability to deliver them at the highest standard.

Team and Firm Leadership

• Mentor and develop Account Directors and consultants, setting clear expectations and providing direct, constructive coaching and feedback.
• Ensure multidisciplinary teams are appropriately structured, staffed, and supported to deliver excellent work efficiently.
• Strengthen Handshake's methodologies, intellectual capital, quality standards, and approach to integrated client delivery.
• Support business development through senior-level relationship building, proposals, client presentations, and compelling strategic recommendations.
• Contribute to Handshake's thought leadership, internal initiatives, collaborative culture, and continued growth as an integrated strategic advisory firm.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in strategic communications, consulting, corporate affairs, public affairs, partnerships, global programming, or a related field.
• Proven success building trusted advisory relationships with C-suite executives and other senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop original strategic thinking and translate complex issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary client engagements from strategy through execution.
• Experience developing institutional partnerships or managing senior stakeholders across the private, public, nonprofit, or multilateral sectors.
• Familiarity with major global institutions, policy environments, and international platforms is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional executive presence, strategic writing, communication, facilitation, and business judgment.
• A record of developing senior talent, building high-performing teams, and fostering accountability and collaboration.
• A high degree of ownership, sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in fast-paced, high-profile environments.
• A commitment to both strategic rigor and flawless execution, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional standards.

COMPENSATION

• Commensurate with experience
• Annual discretionary performance-based bonus

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k plan
• Generous PTO and work remote policy