PR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR - GOVERNMENT SECTOR

? Location:; City Of London, Sheffield, Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading communications firm is seeking a PR Account Director to shape public narratives across government initiatives. The ideal candidate has over five years of PR experience, understands the UK media landscape, and possesses strong leadership skills. This role involves managing media relations, advising on communications strategies, and mentoring junior team members. Join a diverse, fast-paced team dedicated to impactful communications.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in PR or communications.
• Experience in public sector or purpose accounts.
• Understanding of the UK political landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of media strategies.
• Manage media relations and crisis communication.
• Advise on strategic messaging for public sector initiatives.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Team management

Excellent writing

Storytelling skills

Job description

📍 Location:Based at any of our UK offices - Cardiff, London, or Sheffield - with regular time spent working from our London office each week

At Four, we’re on a mission to deliver communications that make a genuine difference. We are looking for a communications account director to work across our Government work. You will be a strategic and media-savvy PR Account Director able to lead and inspire. This is a pivotal role for a seasoned PR professional with a passion for purpose-led campaigns. You’ll be joining a collaborative team, delivering high-impact, insight-led communications.

We’re a multi award-winning team that has consistently held the No. 1 spot in public sector league tables! We combine behaviour change insights with big, bold creative ideas - backed by access to sector-leading insight tools.

Our activations could see us working with iconic Formula 1 cars, collaborating with comedians, or crafting fascinating research stories that connect audiences to our clients’ messages in fresh and memorable ways.

🎯 What You’ll Do

As an account director, you will lead the development and execution of earned media strategies across PR, stakeholder engagement, and influencer relations. Your campaigns will support public sector priorities, drive awareness, build trust and change behaviour with diverse audiences.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering integrated communications campaigns with a strong earned media focus
• Leading media relations and press office functions, including crisis communications when needed
• Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists, influencers, and public sector stakeholders
• Advising on strategic messaging and narrative development for public sector initiatives
• Devising and executing value-in-kind partnership strategies
• Ensuring all communications align with client policy, tone, and transparency standards
• Delivering campaigns on sensitive issues and topics high on the national agenda, requiring sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness
• Managing and mentoring junior team members to deliver excellence

💼 What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and inspire confidence with both colleagues and clients.

You’ll have:

• Minimum five years’ experience in PR or communications, ideally with some experience in public sector, government, charity or purpose accounts
• Understanding of the UK political landscape and media environment
• Experience managing teams and mentoring junior staff
• Excellent writing, pitching, and storytelling skills
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and clarity
• Bonus: experience in in-kind partnership marketing or working with third-party advocacy groups

🌍 Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to shape public narratives and contribute to meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative, fast-paced team where your ideas and leadership will directly influence how government and other public sector initiatives are communicated to the public.

We welcome applications from people with neurodiversity and disabilities and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

We do not accept CVs from recruitment agencies.

Equality and diversity statement:

We are proud of our diverse community at Four and are committed to reflecting the diversity of the world in which we live. We strive to improve our diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those from minority and under-represented groups.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief.

We are a fast-paced dynamic team of individuals who is passionate about our work and our clients. If you are looking to further your career or are looking for the next work adventure, please do contact us.