Senior Public Affairs Director, London

Hanson Search; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global communications agency is seeking a Senior Public Affairs Director to lead the growth of its public affairs offering in London. This pivotal role involves developing strategic campaigns for high-profile clients while leading business development. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in corporate communications, with excellent leadership and strategic thinking skills. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the expansion of a dynamic and growing company.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in corporate communications.
• A proven track record of leading significant client accounts.
• In-depth knowledge of stakeholder engagement and media pressures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and vision of the public affairs offering.
• Develop and execute insight-driven campaigns.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder communications

Leadership skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication abilities

Job description

Senior Public Affairs Director/EVP

An award-winning global communications agency is seeking an exceptional senior leader to lead the growth of its public affairs offering in London. This pivotal leadership role involves developing strategic, earned-first campaigns for high-profile clients, while steering business development and team leadership. The ideal candidate will bring sharp strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of stakeholder communications in today’s complex political and media landscape.

Senior Public Affairs Director Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the growth and vision of the public affairs offering within the London office.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated, insight-driven campaigns that meet client business and communications objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior clients across major global brands, delivering informed counsel and bold, creative recommendations.
• Translate client needs into actionable strategies with measurable impact, leveraging a mix of earned, paid and owned channels.
• Cultivate and expand client relationships, deepening existing partnerships and securing new business opportunities.
• Promote inclusive, collaborative ways of working within the team and across the agency.
• Inspire thought leadership internally and externally through speaking engagements, writing and mentorship.
• Work closely with UK leadership teams in corporate, public affairs and social impact to align strategic goals.

Senior Public Affairs Director Key Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience in high-level corporate communications, with strong strategic and creative capabilities.
• A proven track record of winning and leading significant client accounts.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and manage cross-functional teams.
• In-depth knowledge of stakeholder engagement, policy, media and commercial pressures faced by modern businesses.
• Highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to distil complex data into powerful strategic insights.
• Commercially astute, with experience in driving profitability and sustainable growth at scale.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, comfortable operating at C-suite level.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the expansion of a dynamic and growing company. Apply now to be part of this exciting new chapter. Please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out more about Hanson Search.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.