APCO Worldwide

We have an immediate opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead APCO’s Global China team—one of the firm’s most strategic and high-impact offerings.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to global multinational corporations that are operating in China, as well as with China-headquartered enterprises navigating geopolitical complexity, reputational risk, and cross-border business disruption. You will lead a high-performing team in the U.S., collaborate closely with APCO’s teams globally, including its on-the-ground China team, and drive integrated solutions that help clients thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

You are a strategic thinker and seasoned operator who thrives in high-stakes environments. You bring a global mindset, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for helping clients succeed at the intersection of business, policy, and society.

You are also a proactive client advisor and business builder skilled at identifying opportunities, cultivating relationships, and positioning APCO as a go-to partner for global China strategy, with a particular focus on U.S.-China dynamics facing companies.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow APCO’s Global China offerings, managing and cultivating a cross-regional team of consultants and advisors.
• Serve as a senior counselor to CEOs and C-suite leaders on China strategy, trade, supply chains, reputational issues, ESG, and public policy.
• Guide China/Asia-headquartered private businesses looking to expand globally, engage external stakeholders, including policymakers, media and investors, and navigate trade and investment headwinds.
• Design and deliver integrated advisory solutions that address geopolitical risk and cross-border business challenges.
• Drive client growth by identifying new opportunities, leading a winning strategy, and expanding APCO’s client base in the U.S./ Global-China space.
• Collaborate with APCO’s global network, including our onshore China team, to provide seamless, joined-up counsel.
• Contribute to marketing and visibility efforts by developing thought leadership content, participating in public speaking engagements, and supporting APCO’s brand positioning in the China advisory space.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders in government, business, and civil society.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience in government affairs, strategic communications, corporate strategy, or geopolitical advisory, with a strong focus on U.S. and China as well as familiarity with other global regions.
• Proven leadership and mentorship in managing cross-functional teams and complex client engagements.
• Strong and trusted executive networks in China and the U.S. and a demonstrated track record of counseling C-Suite executive
• Proven track record in business development, client acquisition, and strategic counseling.
• Experience advising senior executives and navigating high-stake geopolitical and commercial environments, particularly for China-headquartered companies that are navigating major overseas markets, including the U.S., the EU and Southeast Asia.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
• Mandarin and English language fluency and professional experience working in China are required.

Preferred Background

• A keen understanding of the commercial, policy and reputational challenges facing global business leaders
• Experience in a multinational corporation or top-tier consultancy.
• Familiarity with sectors such as retail, technology, finance, healthcare or advanced manufacturing.
• Track record of success in market entry advisory, policy advocacy, crisis and reputation management.

What We Bring You

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm recognized for helping clients navigate complex challenges through integrated public affairs and communication strategies. Our team is diverse, collaborative, and united by a shared commitment to curiosity, empathy, boldness, and inclusivity. We work on some of the most pressing issues of our time across industries, borders, and sectors, and we’re proud to be a majority women-owned business with a global footprint.

Compensation Range

The US base salary for this position ranges from $240,000/year to $300,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.

Careers at APCO

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.