Public Affairs

We’re Hiring! Account Executive, Public Affairs Job Opening in ATL

November 6, 2025 By patricklburns Leave a Comment

Arc 3 Communications is looking for an Account Executive, Public Affairs to join our talented team of public affairs professionals across the country. We are a unique agency with a clear mission, core values and strong culture.

Would you like to be part of a team focused on achieving public affairs objectives at the state and local government level across the country? Do you have the experience in state and local government necessary to help further advance the public policy agenda of our clients? We are looking for a talented, innovative, and well-connected individual to represent our clients before state and local policymakers. You will address risks and opportunities for clients at the state and local level. This position will also leverage clients’ participation in key trade associations that are critical to advancing clients’ public policy and business objectives in the state and local government sector.

The Account Executive, Public Affairs develops and manages state and local government relations on behalf of our clients. The incumbent advocates on behalf of clients before state and local legislative and regulatory bodies; coordinates with trade and business associations in those states and develops and maintains grassroots networks among client associates and citizens. The Account Executive, Public Affairs develops and maintains various industry and third-party relationships, including counterparts within and outside client industries, including service on association boards and government relations committees. The Account Executive, Public Affairs reports directly to the President of Arc 3 Communications.

Additional responsibilities include:

Monitor, identify, and track legislative and regulatory activities and determine if legislation or action has an impact on clients in order to determine lobbying strategy
Research information on elected officials and proposed legislation and ordinances (i.e., research in order to discover proposed rules, proposed legislation, etc.) that impact clients and/or their industry.
Monitor the regional political environment, including key state and local political campaigns, ballot initiatives and bond measures
Manage client budgets for government relations activities and work with the President to ensure budget compliances are met.
Represent clients at trade association shows attended by elected and appointed officials
Work collaboratively with content and digital team to identify and create impactful policy positioning opportunities, messaging and content for clients
Lobbyist compliance and reporting

Competencies/Skills required to be successful in role:

Thorough understanding of the legislative/political process
Established network of political and state, local contacts
Proven track record of government relations accomplishments
Proven ability to effectively handle multiple complex projects and issues on the legislative and regulatory fronts
Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience creating and effectively delivering factual, relevant and easily understandable talking points and other messaging
Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of external audiences and with clients
Strong team building and interpersonal skills: empathy, respect, ability to be a role model
Google Docs, MS Office including Word & PowerPoint
Digital literacy and competency in the area of email marketing and social media platforms. CRM and WordPress experience a plus.
Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
Maintain highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality and integrity
Innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to constantly improve
Ability to work well will all levels of clients and team members
Ability to self-start, be resourceful and work independently
Close attention to detail
Strong work ethic and willingness to work in a demanding, fun environment

Experience Required:

3 to 5+ years of relevant experience in federal, state and/or local government, government relations or lobbying
Political Campaign experience preferred

Education requirements:Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university

Other Information:Moderate travel – Southeast (25%)

This position comes with a competitive salary and benefits.

Apply here.

Arc 3 Communications Celebrates 14-year Business Anniversary

October 27, 2025 By Patrick L. Burns Leave a Comment

Marietta, Ga. (October 27, 2025) – Arc 3 Communications, a public affairs agency located just off the historic downtown square of Marietta, Ga. celebrates its 14-year business anniversary this week. Started by founder and president, Patrick L. Burns, Arc 3 Communications has provided winning advocacy services for clients since 2011. For 14 years, Arc 3 has provided quality solutions to trade associations, businesses and non-profits, helping them achieve their public policy goals at the local and state levels of government.

“I am so grateful to our team and its commitment to providing superior results to our marquee roster of clients who have entrusted us over the years,” said company founder and president, Patrick Burns, “Our team and its commitment to our clients has made a distinctive impact and has resulted in legislative and regulatory successes at the local and state levels in the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. As our agency team and client base continues to grow throughout the country, we look forward to driving meaningful change for our clients at the local and state levels in the dynamic environment of public affairs”.

For more information about Arc 3 Communications, visit www.arc3communications.com

About Arc 3 Communications

Arc 3 Communications is an Atlanta area-based public affairs agency that specializes in advocacy services for clients. We provide winning solutions to campaigns, businesses, trade associations, and non-profits to help them achieve their organizational goals in a complex media and public affairs landscape. Our effective advocacy efforts result in legislative and regulatory successes at the local and state levels of government.

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Join Our Team! Public Affairs Internship Opportunity in Georgia

October 24, 2025 By patricklburns 33 Comments

Arc 3 Communications is looking for an Intern, Public Affairs to join our team of innovative public affairs professionals at our Marietta, Georgia office.

Would you like to be a part of a team focused on achieving public affairs objectives at the state and local government level across the country? Do you wish to help further advance the policy agenda of Arc 3 clients? We are looking for a talented and innovative individual to assist us in our work representing clients before state and local policymakers in the Southeastern United States.

In this position you will learn about effectively lobbying state and local legislative and regulatory bodies, working with trade and business associations, and building and maintaining strong grassroots networks. You will also learn how to write policy papers, articles and public affairs content that resonates.

Intern, Public Affairs Responsibilities

Monitors, researches, and analyzes proposed legislation and regulations and how they impact our clients
Assists the team with multi-state, state and local advocacy efforts on behalf of clients
Cover state legislative and local government meetings and hearings and write summary memos
Listen and report on political and policy calls, including trade association calls, as necessary
Maintain an internal tracker of local and state legislative priorities across the United States
Formatting and disseminating electronic newsletters
Develop policy papers, articles and content
CRM/Database Management
Assists with meeting scheduling as needed

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited College or University completing a Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Degree
Reliable transportation or means of transportation to commute to our office and to meetings

Experience Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in public affairs
Must be highly motivated
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a deadline focused, demanding environment
Effective written and oral communication skills
Ability to work well independently with a focus on detail
Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
Digital literacy in the area of social media and email marketing platforms
Maintain highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality and integrity
Innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to constantly improve
Preferred: Experience in the political process (campaign work, intern experience with lawmakers at the federal, state, or local level).

If interested, please send resumé and cover letter to Patrick Burns, President via pburns@arc3communications.com.

Announcing New Account Executive for Public Affairs, Christian Frankl

June 8, 2024 By patricklburns 34 Comments

Rising star in public affairs strengthens multi-state advocacy capabilities in the Midwest

Arc 3 Communications, a public affairs agency that specializes in content, digital and advocacy, announced that they have hired new account executive, Christian Frankl. With extensive government affairs experience in the private and public sectors, Frankl most recently served as a lobbyist with the government relations team at Fredrikson and Byron P.A. in Des Moines, Iowa. In that position, Frankl helped clients achieve their legislative goals and advance their interests at the State Capitol. With strong local, state and federal government relations experience, Frankl will provide top-notch advocacy for clients in the Midwest to meet their public affairs needs and will be based in Chicago.

Before working with Fredrikson and Byron, Frankl interned in Washington D.C. with The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies FDD Action Congressional Relations team. He also interned with former Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller’s Consumer Protection Division and worked on US Senator Joni Ernst’s reelection campaign in 2020.

Frankl graduated as a triple major from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Ethics and Public Policy, and Music. During his undergraduate studies, Frankl was a Senator with the University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government and was the Drum Major of the 275-member Hawkeye Marching Band. He also studied Politics and Law at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland as an Iowa Regents Semester in Scotland student.

“Arc 3 Communications has achieved impactful results for clients in the area of local and state advocacy across the country,” Frankl said. ““I am delighted to join the agency and look forward to helping our clients achieve their public affairs goals.”

“Christian is a rising star in public affairs and will be a tremendous asset to our clients in the area of multi-state advocacy at the local and state levels in the Midwest,” said Founder and President, Patrick Burns.“We are thrilled to be officially part of the Chicagoland community with the addition of Christian to our team”.

About Arc 3 Communications

Founded in 2011, Arc 3 Communications is an innovative public affairs agency that specializes in content, digital and advocacy services for clients. Arc 3 provides winning public affairs solutions to businesses, trade associations, non-profits, and government agencies. We produce dynamic content, innovative digital campaigns and effective advocacy that results in legislative, electoral, and civic engagement victories for clients.

What is Public Affairs? (Infographic)

August 9, 2023 By Patrick L. Burns 32 Comments

The term “public affairs” is commonplace on the news and in government meetings, but what exactly is public affairs and what does it involve? Check out the infographic below to learn more about what public affairs is.

What is Public Affairs and Why It is Really Important

August 6, 2023 By Patrick L. Burns 31 Comments

The term “public affairs” is commonplace on the news and in government meetings, but what exactly is public affairs and what does it involve? Not to be confused with public relations, public affairs is defined by the Public Affairs Council as an organization’s efforts to monitor and manage its business environment. It combines strategies for government relations, communications, issues management and corporate citizenship. Public affairs aims to influence public policy, build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials such as legislators, and engage with and monitor stakeholders. Those who specialize in public affairs act as lobbyists on behalf of their organizations, and they interact with groups who are interested in lobbying the government for legislation regarding particular issues.

How Does Public Affairs Work?

Public affairs tend to deal with noncorporate entities, such as government agencies, nonprofits, and trade associations. Some roles involved with public affairs include lobbyist, policy analyst, community affairs manager, and policy program coordinator. Advocacy plays a major part in public affairs. Government and public advocacy are key aspects to a successful public affairs strategy. Creating and maintaining relationships that will benefit your industry or cause is vital to influencing laws and actions.

Lobbyists, whose purpose is to take part in an organized attempt to influence legislators, are professional advocates for individuals and organizations. The advocacy a lobbyist takes part in can help shape laws and regulations and help introduce new legislation that will support the organization’s cause. They also fight back against any policies or legislation that would cause harm to their organization or industry.

The Difference Between Public Affairs and Public Relations

One common misconception is that public affairs is the same as public relations. While they have similarities, such as both involving interaction with the public, they are different in that public affairs involves matters that directly affect the public, such as legislation, whereas public relations build a connection between the public and a specific organization. Public affairs tend to focus on public policy while public relations deals more with commercial goals. This is the main difference between the two.

With public relations focusing mostly on marketing and improving a company’s image, the strategies are different from those found in a public affairs campaign. In public relations you may use some of the following strategies:

Drafting Press Releases.
Sending pitches to journalists.
Reaching out to media contacts.
Social media strategy
Creating content.
Launching PR campaigns.
Writing speeches.

Public affairs services are used by companies to help align business interests and public policies. Some of the strategies used to achieve this are:

Lobbying for and against legislation or regulations at the local, state, or federal level.
Establishing contact and maintaining ongoing relationships with politicians, political advisors, and government regulators.
Maintaining a strong relationship with company stakeholders.
Monitor policy proceedings that pertain to an industry.
Leveraging power of words to influence public policy.
Coalition Building
Data Analysis
Grassroots Mobilization
Surveys, Public Opinion Polling

Public affairs and public relations can both use the media to help their cause, so reaching out to journalists and media outlets to form relationships is a strategy found in both areas. Sometimes you may use some public relations strategies with public affairs, and vice versa.

Our Public Affairs Experience

During these tumultuous times of an ever changing political, legislative and regulatory landscape in which government is having a huge impact on industries and organizations, having a strong public affairs program is vital.

The Arc 3 Communications’ public affairs team is an effective advocate on behalf of business and a leader in shaping public policy issues. We offer experienced, talented, well-connected and spirited advocacy at the intersection of government, business, media, and the community.

We are “campaign people” who are driven by the understanding that there will be an “election day” and that we’ll have to deliver results.

Do you need help with your public affairs efforts and strategies? We would love to hear from you! Contact us here.

How to Secure Your Association’s Place as a Thought Leader with Your Content

June 18, 2023 By Patrick L. Burns 31 Comments

The term “thought leadership” tends to be used loosely these days to describe any content that has to do with an industry, regardless if it has any real value to the reader or not. In truth, With so much online noise fighting for your member’s attention, your association must step up and provide quality content that benefits and provides real value to your audience.

What is Thought Leadership Content?

Thought leadership is not necessarily just a type of content, but a type of content marketing. According to Marketing Insider Group, this type of content marketing involves tapping into the experience and knowledge of your industry or business to answer the biggest questions on the minds of your audience on a particular topic. When it comes to thought leadership, your audience is usually looking for the best answer to a question.

In order to provide the best answers to your members, you need to be an expert on the topics you are discussing. As an association, you may have contacts in your network that can help with this; or you can take it upon yourself to do thorough research to develop content that has accurate and detailed information to ensure that you establish credibility and protect your reputation. Often members will look to the association for answers or support; and having this type of content available not only helps them, but also shows potential members that you truly understand the industry you represent.

How to Create Valuable Thought Leadership Content

Thought leadership content can come in many forms, and be distributed across many mediums. Blogs, essays, videos, presentations, webinars, research studies and any other form of media that can provide your members and potential members with useful, enlightening, and valuable information are considered thought leadership content pieces. This content is commonly available for free or in exchange for a registration of a name, email, and other contact information.

One of the key aspects to thought leadership content is that it is not a membership sales pitch. While critical to audience engagement, it should be kept enlightening, interesting, and informational. Your call to action at the end of the piece can be your pitch for your readers to take actions such as signing up for your newsletter.

A recent study by Edelman and LinkedIn shows there is an oversaturation of “thought leadership” content online. This makes it essential to come up with content that stands out from the rest. This can include original research and insights by your association with information that pertains specifically to your industry.

Whether you create content in-house or outsource for it, be sure to create, upload, and share content across channels including your website, e-newsletter and social media accounts.

Why is Thought Leader Content Important?

In this day and age, standing out by creating original content that resonates and solidifies your association as a trusted thought leader in your space is important. According to an article from Association’s Now, successful thought leadership content can raise your association’s platform. The recent Edelman and LinkedIn study showed 64 percent of the respondents say that thought leadership is used when deciding to trust an organization’s capabilities.

Having strong thought leadership content goes a long way in increasing awareness, bringing leads, establishing relationships, providing value, and recruiting new members to your association. It also drives SEO and your online visibility, making it more likely your association’s content appears first to people who are looking for information related to your industry. Doing your own research and creating original and high-quality thought leadership content will go a long way in securing your association as the overall thought leader for your members and potential members.

For help with your Association’s content marketing efforts or for more information, visit our website at www.arc3communications.com or contact us at info@arc3communications.com.

Why Advocacy at the Local Level is Crucial to Your Association’s Success

March 22, 2023 By Patrick L. Burns Leave a Comment

Local government is very important to associations when it comes to the municipalities in which their industry members have a presence. Legislation that affects economic development, employment, operations, taxes, and more are decided at the local level. There is often important legislation that impacts how an industry can operate within a municipality in which it is located, and these can either benefit or hinder the marketplace for their industry and their members’ success.

When it comes to advocacy and policy issues, many think the most important action takes place at the state and federal levels. This is not always the case; some of the most important and influential work happens at the local level; in fact, many are saying in the age of COVID 19 that local is becoming the new state. The municipal and county level is often the starting point for policy ideas and from there they then expand to the state and federal levels. To be successful, your advocacy efforts must be comprehensive, and include strategies for the local level as well as for the state and federal levels.

Associations have started to shift advocacy resources and efforts to the local level to keep track of the issues important to them and their members. Whether it is a local ordinance that supports an association’s goals or threatens them, it is important to have strategies in place to either fight or support local legislation.

Writing letters, calling, and scheduling meetings with your local elected officials are a few grassroots level things you can do to advocate. Even in the age of COVID-19, you can still make a big impact by setting up Zoom meetings with a Mayor or City Councilman to discuss matters that are important to your association.

Grassroots efforts are very important for any association. Making sure you stay in the loop regarding local ordinances and issues that may affect your members is vital to keeping members happy and making sure your industry is successful in the municipalities it operates in. State and federal level advocacy garners headlines and attention, but the local level is closest to the people and where the most impact can occur. With many issues beginning at the local level, it is imperative to have a strong comprehensive strategy and action plan.

For help with your association’s advocacy efforts, contact us at https://arc3communications.com/contact-us/.

Announcing New Account Executive for Public Affairs, Gabrielle Deliz

September 22, 2022 By Patrick L. Burns Leave a Comment

Rising star in public affairs strengthens multi-state advocacy capabilities

Arc 3 Communications, a public affairs agency that specializes in content, digital and advocacy, announced that they have hired new account executive, Gabrielle Deliz. With extensive government affairs experience in the private and public sectors, Deliz most recently served as a government consultant for the Thomas Howell Ferguson, P.A. CPAs firm in Tallahassee, where she consulted for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). With strong legislative and regulatory knowledge at the state and local government levels, Deliz will provide top-notch advocacy for clients to meet their public affairs needs.

Prior to consulting on behalf of the FDEM, Deliz served in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She also previously worked for the Republican Party of Florida as a part of the 2018 campaign team behind the election of Governor DeSantis and other officials. Deliz has also served in the legislative office of the former Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jose R. Oliva.

Deliz is a cum laude graduate of the Florida State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Minor in Communications. During her undergraduate tenure, Deliz was deeply involved in the FSU Foundation, where she developed a passion for philanthropy and higher education. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at FSU.

“Arc 3 Communications has achieved impactful results for clients in the area of local and state advocacy across the country,” Deliz said. “I am excited to join the agency and look forward to providing additional value for our clients in these areas.”

“Gabrielle is a rising star in public affairs and will be a tremendous asset to our clients in the area of multi-state advocacy at the local and state levels,” said Founder and President, Patrick Burns.

About Arc 3 Communications

Top 4 Tips to Best Represent Your Association at In-Person Events

October 27, 2021 By Patrick L. Burns Leave a Comment

As in-person meetings begin to make a comeback, it is time to dust off your association’s trade show materials and be sure you are ready to put your best foot forward as you return to the in-person world of trade shows and annual conferences. We all became familiar with virtual platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams during COVID and may have even attended virtual conferences on behalf of your association during this time. As many can probably attest, virtual conferences and meetings do not have the same effect as face to face does. Below are four tips for making sure you represent your association well as the world returns to in person events.

Be Aware of COVID-19 Precautions and Rules

One thing that will be new as your association returns to in person events is that many if not all of these will have COVID-19 rules and precautions. These can usually be found on the website for the conference or event or will be emailed out by the host and they can differ depending on location. It is important that you are aware and follow these rules as you attend the show as it is respectful of others and also reflects well on your association.

One example of these new rules is one that involves wearing a certain color based on your social comfort level during COVID. At a recent in-person event, the hosts gave attendees different colored bracelets; green, yellow, and red. Green meant you are open to handshakes and high-fives, yellow meant you are open to elbow bumps only, and red meant you do not want any physical contact and would like social distance.

Many events also continue to have mask requirements, and some are requiring proof of vaccination before allowing attendance. Be sure you are aware of these types of requirements before attending an event to avoid not being permitted to attend. There may also be new rules for exhibitors and presenters, so if your association is participating in this type of role, be sure you review any such rules beforehand so all attendees with your association can be prepared.

Make Sure You are Up to Date

It has been nearly two years since many large in-person events were last held. For some, a lot has changed in that period of time. From personal items like your business card to association related items like information hand-outs at exhibit halls, it is important to ensure all information is current and relevant to show that you and your association are credible. The last thing you want to do is to give hundreds of people outdated information regarding your association’s industry; that would not do well for your credibility or reputation.

Your business card is your personal identification. Potential new members or current members may use it to get in contact with you. That is why you must be sure to have the right address, telephone number, email, association position and any other information you might include be up to date and current. It may sound simple, but it also may have been a while since you’ve given out your information outside of an email or a zoom message. Again, it reflects well on you and on the association that you represent.

Let People Know You’re There

An important part of conference and in-person events for your association is the networking. Whether it is an event your association is hosting or whether you are attending on your association’s behalf, networking is a big part of these events. Why not get a head start prior to attending the event and let people know you are going to be there? This is especially important if you are exhibiting in an exhibit hall or presenting at an important panel.

Social media pages, both personal and your association’s page are a great way to announce your presence and even where you will be within the conference so that people can find you. If the conference or host has an event app with an announcement feature, you can post on that. Check also if the conference you are attending has a twitter handle or a hashtag as a way to tag and announce updates. This will bring people to your exhibit or presentation and ensure you get the turnout you want.

Be Prepared

Again, it has been nearly two years since you may have attended an in-person conference. Be sure you have everything you need, and if you need to take time to get everything together, be sure to do so in advance to prevent rushing and forgetting something important. If you are presenting, be sure you have your notes, any handouts, and most importantly, a back-up of your presentation! If you are exhibiting, be positive you have brought your banners, décor, information, hand-outs, and if you give out pens, candy, or other freebies, remember to bring them.

You want everything to look great and run smoothly so that your association not only stands out but looks good doing so. Make sure you are ready for any inquiries about the association you may get from members or potential members. It is always good to be prepared and it reflects well on your association and how you run things.

As we come together once again face to face and readjust to large group events, be prepared to put your best image forward back in person representing your association and industry. This will help generate leads during these networking opportunities and will help grow your membership. It will also let the current members know you are credible, responsible and that you represent the industry and your members professionally. Stay safe and before you know it, attending conferences and events will feel like second nature again.