Associate Director, Strategic Communications & Growth

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, 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 ambitious and high‑stakes briefs. Our dynamic and deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data‑and‑behaviour‑driven campaigns, regularly working with blended client teams spanning comms, marketing, sales and the most senior decision‑makers and strategists. We’re committed to creating a team atmosphere fuelled by learning, unafraid to take new paths and ask hard questions, while always putting the commercial objectives of our clients first. No templated thinking, no assumptions, just smart, expansive thinking and creative solutions that make an impact.

We believe in empowering our people with freedom and autonomy, supporting innovation and providing tailored growth opportunities 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 belong and thrive. At Hawthorn, our focus is on creating exceptional outcomes for clients by fostering a culture where our people can thrive. We provide the trust, resources, and flexibility they need to innovate and deliver excellence.

If you’re seeking a dynamic environment that values creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit; offers diverse and challenging opportunities; fosters continuous learning; and encourages collaboration among big thinkers, then Hawthorn is the place for you.

Our Values

• Creative: You are an innovative thinker who brings originality and flair to every challenge.
• Ambitious: You are driven and passionate, with an unwavering commitment to achieving both your personal goals and the company’s objectives.
• Entrepreneurial: You are a proactive self‑starter, always looking to build networks and capitalize on new opportunities.
• Collaborative: You are a dedicated team player who supports colleagues, builds strong partnerships, and is committed to helping others succeed while delivering impactful results.
• Connected: You excel at forging and maintaining strong relationships, ensuring that ideas and opportunities flow smoothly within the team and with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and uphold standards of excellence for yourself and your teams to ensure the quality of work produced meets or exceeds expectations.
• Develop and execute complex, multidisciplinary communication strategies.
• Seek opportunities to lead client presentations, contribute to new business pitches, and challenge briefs using evidence and experience.
• Evolve client relationships towards higher value workstreams and manage media/political engagements, including the cultivation of relevant networks.
• Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams by providing ongoing feedback.
• Ensure client accounts are serviced to the required standard.
• Identify and respond to emerging issues or crises with strategic solutions, referring upwards when necessary.
• Drive organic growth on existing client accounts, support delivery plans, and maintain external relationships that contribute to business development.
• Implement efficiencies in working practices, including the adoption of AI, and manage costs associated with delivering communication tactics.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive workplace culture, promote wellbeing, and serve as a role model within the consultancy.
• Engage in continuous professional development, share knowledge with the team, and lead training sessions to foster learning and growth across the organization.
• Support the visibility of the Hawthorn team at Hawthorn-led and external events and encourage more junior members to do the same.
• Responsible for accurately completing weekly timesheets in Float to support project tracking, efficiency, and client servicing.

At least 7 years’ experience working within a communications agency or in a communications role, advising on business-critical issues. You develop and lead motivated, high-performing teams that deliver high quality work that supports clients’ objectives, with reduced input from senior colleagues. Trusted strategic advisor to clients with a deep understanding of their industries and markets. Wide-ranging experience of supporting responses to issues and crisis management and advising clients. Strong network of media, political contacts, and third-party suppliers relevant to client portfolios. Develops and nurtures high-performing teams that enjoy coming to work each day. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Experience in running training sessions and mentoring colleagues. Knowledgeable in utilising digital and AI tools to shape strategic thinking and improve practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries that fully reflect your skills and experience.
• Pension, salary exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance, plus cycle to work and technology schemes.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Time‑off including annual, parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave.
• 25 days annual leave in year one, 26 days thereafter.
• Annual charity day where an employee can volunteer their time to a chosen charity.
• Continuous learning culture to support your growth and tailored training opportunities.
• Proactive wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), sick leave provision, and mental health first‑aiders.
• Office perks including breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks.