Director - Public Affairs

Michael Page (UK); London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious consultancy firm in London is seeking a Director - Public Affairs to lead major projects and manage client relationships. Applicants should have a strong background in public affairs and media relations, excellent communication skills, and experience in fostering client partnerships. The role offers a competitive salary between £80,000 and £140,000, along with a hybrid working model and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Structured in-house training

Support for external training

Flexible working model

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading public affairs or communications projects.
• Strong network across UK and international media.
• Demonstrable experience generating new business.

Responsibilities

• Lead major client projects and campaigns.
• Manage budgets and work goals to serve clients effectively.
• Liaise between clients and multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Public affairs project management

Client handling

Media relations

Negotiation skills

Leadership skills

Fluent English

Job description

• Multi-award winning global consultancy.
• Specialists in designing and executing integrated campaigns.

About Our Client

About Our Client A multi-award winning Strategic Communications, Public Affairs and Campaigns consultancy that's nearly 15 years old. The consultancy represents and advises many of the biggest companies, coalitions and industry associations across the globe from its offices in England, Belgium, the US, and Ireland. They specialise in designing and executing integrated campaigns to address sensitive and business-critical issues and run high-stakes advocacy campaigns, combining traditional public affairs with campaigning disciplines including media relations, digital advocacy, message testing, citizen mobilisation and alliance building.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be working as part of London office leadership together with global management colleagues to:

• Lead major client projects with the timely development and execution of plans, campaigns and projects, ensuring the team delivers on its objectives.
• Support and drive the sustained growth of the London office and Strategic Communications offering.
• Plan, develop and manage budgets, work goals, measurements, and training requirements necessary to provide the best service to clients.
• A trusted counsellor for clients and the constant liaison between them and their multi-disciplinary teams and management.
• Managerial responsibilities for members of the Global team.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Director - Public Affairs should have:

• Proven experience in leading major public affairs and/or communications projects, managing teams and budgets
• Experience in media relations, and a strong network across UK and international media.
• Exceptional client-handling skills with experience managing large accounts.
• Proven ability to foster and maintain long-term relationships with senior clients and contacts.
• Demonstrable experience in pitching, negotiation and generating new business.
• A strong understanding of the intersection between politics, media and business, and experience in executing integrated multidisciplinary campaigns.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including fluent English. Additional languages are an advantage.
• Experience in some of the following sectors - Technology, Sustainability, Health, Food & Agriculture - is an advantage.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary in the range of £80,000-£140,000, dependent on experience.
• Attractive annual bonus scheme and new business commission opportunities.
• Structured in-house training to enhance professional development.
• Support for external professional development opportunities.
• A hybrid working model offering flexibility and work-life balance.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional in public affairs and communications to make a significant impact.