Account Director / Senior Consultant

Atticus Partners is an award-winning, full-service strategic communications agency working across a broad portfolio of UK and international public affairs and corporate communications clients. We are a London-based agency, recognised as one of the top 20 public affairs agencies in the UK and current finalists for UK Medium-Sized Agency of the Year.

As part of our continued growth, we are looking for an exceptional Account Director to join our fast-growing team. We're seeking someone who combines agency experience with a strong media background (whether from a press office or journalism) and can bring strategic communications and public affairs together to deliver outstanding client outcomes. Comfortable navigating complex political and reputational landscapes, you will be equally at home advising senior clients, shaping media narratives, leading integrated campaigns and driving commercial growth.

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, minority groups and those with disabilities. Atticus is committed to fostering a culture where every voice is welcome, heard and respected. The successful candidate will play an important role in contributing to and strengthening that culture.

As an Account Director, your day-to-day will include:

• Overseeing the smooth functioning of client accounts and supporting the effective management of account teams.
• Providing strategic counsel to senior business leaders across public affairs, media relations, corporate communications, reputation management, stakeholder engagement and campaign strategy.
• Developing close client relationships, leading external client meetings and acting as a senior point of contact across multiple accounts.
• Supervising the delivery of client work programmes and ensuring consistently high standards across all outputs.
• Supporting the development and execution of integrated communications and public affairs campaigns.
• Leading proactive and reactive media relations programmes, identifying opportunities to secure impactful coverage and raise client profiles.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, commentators, policymakers, parliamentarians and other key stakeholders.
• Providing media training and spokesperson coaching to senior executives, subject matter experts and client representatives, helping them communicate effectively in high-profile and high-pressure environments.
• Preparing clients for broadcast, print and digital media interviews, including messaging development, briefing materials and interview preparation.
• Leading on the drafting of high-quality briefing documents, communications strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, messaging frameworks, speeches, thought leadership articles and opinion pieces.
• Supporting new business activity, including networking, proposal development and pitch participation.
• Leading and coaching junior team members to support their professional development and improve the overall quality of work and efficiency across teams.
• Demonstrating creativity, sound judgement and strategic thinking when solving complex client challenges.

The successful candidate will have:

• At least 6 years' experience in an agency, in-house communications, public affairs, journalism or press office environment.
• Strong experience across media relations, strategic communications and public affairs.
• An established network of journalist contacts across national, trade, broadcast and digital media.
• Experience developing and delivering media training and executive communications programmes.
• A strong understanding of the UK political, policy and media landscape, alongside an appreciation of international media environments and global communications challenges.
• Experience working closely with a variety of political stakeholders, policymakers, regulators and industry leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex issues into clear and compelling narratives.
• Experience managing client relationships and leading the delivery of multiple projects or accounts simultaneously.
• Experience mentoring, managing and developing junior team members.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting new business opportunities, proposals and agency growth initiatives.
• Experience working with multinational organisations, governments or internationally focused clients.
• Experience supporting clients through issues management, crisis communications or reputational challenges.
• Existing network of political, media and industry contacts.

Accountability: Takes ownership of work quality and outcomes; builds trust with clients and colleagues.

Organisation: Manages time and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Communication: Communicates clearly, persuasively and confidently in writing and in person.

Initiative: Proactive, solutions-focused and eager to learn and develop.

Client & Results Focus: Understands client objectives and is driven to deliver impact.

Teamwork: Supports colleagues, values diverse perspectives and contributes positively to team culture.

Why Join Atticus Partners?

• Join a high-performing, growing agency with strong momentum and recognition.
• Work directly with senior leadership and high-profile clients.
• Gain early responsibility, visibility and autonomy.
• Benefit from a clear progression pathway and tailored professional development.
• Be part of an inclusive, supportive and collaborative culture.
• Hybrid working with the majority of the team based in our central London office.