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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for top tech brands, crafting impactful campaigns and mentoring junior team members.
- Company: Join a fast-growing independent consultancy known for delivering exceptional work across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellness support, and a vibrant social calendar.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communications while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment that values creativity.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in communications with expertise in technology or fintech; strong media relations and storytelling skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led team that champions innovation and supports personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are proud to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent communications consultancies. And we have big ambitions – to grow in scale, increase the breadth and depth of our expertise, expand into new geographies, and push the boundaries in delivering industry-defining work.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Associate Director to join our team and help shape the future of communications for some of the world’s most innovative technology brands.
Our 70+ consultants work as one multi-disciplinary team, united behind a single P&L to offer our clients the very best channel-agnostic communications advice. This role will focus on delivering strategic, high-impact campaigns across sectors, with experience weighted towards technology and/or fintech. You’ll provide insight-driven counsel, craft compelling narratives, and help clients navigate complex reputational landscapes.
As an experienced PR professional, you’ll bring deep experience in technology and financial services communications, a proven record of planning and executing integrated campaigns, and a natural ability to lead clients and teams with confidence.
Your Responsibilities
- Act as a senior client lead, offering strategic counsel, demonstrating sound judgement and ability to clearly communicate ideas to decision makers.
- Shape and execute integrated campaigns that deliver meaningful results reaching target audiences across earned, owned and paid channels.
- Drive top-tier media coverage across national, business, tech and fintech press, using your strong journalist relationships and sharp editorial instincts.
- Lead account teams to ensure excellence in delivery, including planning, content development, media relations, reporting and measurement.
- Cultivate and grow trusted relationships with C-suite stakeholders and relevant in-house teams, providing insight-led advice on brand visibility, industry positioning, and thought leadership.
- Contribute to organic growth within existing accounts and play a visible role in new business activity including proposals, pitches and prospecting.
- Mentor and coach junior team members, supporting development and helping foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
- Champion industry best practice, including the use of AI and digital tools for campaign planning, execution and evaluation.
- Represent the agency externally – at industry events, through content, or via your own thought leadership profile.
You Will Have
- 7+ years’ experience in communications, with a strong agency background and proven expertise in the technology and/or fintech sectors.
- Experience managing complex accounts and high-performing teams in a fast-paced agency setting.
- Confidence advising and asking the right questions of senior clients.
- A track record of securing high-quality media coverage in top-tier national and trade publications.
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills – from sharp reactive commentary to detailed thought leadership.
- Strong understanding of the media and analysts, especially those focused on covering technology, fintech and the financial landscape.
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and contribute to a growing, values-led team.
- Experience using digital tools, data and analytics to inform, execute and measure communications activity.
About Hawthorn
We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we’ve delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, ION, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK.
We’re small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most complex and high-stakes briefs. Our dynamic deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.
Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour-driven solutions. We’re ambitious, for ourselves and for our clients, and we’re growing every day.
We believe in empowering our people with autonomy, supporting innovation, and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can thrive.
• We offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and lifestyle:
• Pension, Salary Exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance
• Cycle-to-work and tech schemes
• Flexible working options, both location and hours
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave in your first year, increasing to 26 thereafter, plus parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave
• Annual charity day to support causes close to your heart
• Continuous learning and development culture
• Wellbeing support including EAP, mental health first aiders, Peppy menopause app, and robust sick leave provision
• Office perks like breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks
• A vibrant social calendar, including sports, culture, and charity events, and standout summer and Christmas parties
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Associate Director employer: Breath HR
Contact Detail:
Breath HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the technology and fintech sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with key players and decision-makers. Building relationships with professionals in these fields can give you insights into the latest trends and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your thought leadership by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn or industry blogs. Write articles or posts that reflect your understanding of current challenges and innovations in technology and fintech communications. This will help establish your credibility and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest digital tools and analytics used in communications. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during interviews can set you apart, as it shows you are ready to contribute to data-driven campaigns right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the agency's recent campaigns and clients. Understanding their work will allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their success, making a strong impression during your conversation.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in communications, particularly within the technology and fintech sectors. Use specific examples of campaigns you've led and the results achieved to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their ambitions and how you can contribute to their growth. Be sure to mention your experience with high-impact campaigns and client relationships.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Given the emphasis on excellent writing and storytelling skills, consider including samples of your work or links to articles you've written. This could be anything from press releases to thought leadership pieces that showcase your ability to craft compelling narratives.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves mentoring junior team members and leading account teams, make sure to highlight any relevant leadership experience. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams and contributed to a collaborative culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Breath HR
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of past campaigns you've led, focusing on how you shaped and executed them to achieve meaningful results. Be ready to discuss the insights that informed your decisions.
✨Highlight Your Media Relationships
Strong journalist relationships are crucial for this role. Come prepared with examples of how you've secured top-tier media coverage in the past. Discuss specific publications you've worked with and how you leveraged those connections to benefit your clients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading account teams, so it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Share instances where you've mentored junior team members or led a team through a challenging project. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Digital Tools
The role requires a strong understanding of digital tools and analytics. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform and measure communications activities in previous roles. This will show your ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of communications.
