Account Director | Government Relations

Account Director | Government Relations

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cavendish

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Government Relations campaigns and develop client strategies in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Cavendish, a top PR consultancy known for its innovative approach and award-winning culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, extensive training, private medical insurance, and paid volunteer time.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in public affairs while learning from industry experts and growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Passion for current affairs, strong communication skills, and a creative mindset are essential.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Belfast. Permanent/Full time. Full time 37.5 hours.

What we’re all about

Cavendish is all about talented people, delivering excellent results for our clients.

We are a multi-award-winning, PR Week Top 150 communications consultancy, ranked No 1 in PR Week’s UK Public Affairs consultancy rankings and recognised at PRCA National Awards 2025 as Large Consultancy of the Year.

Across our 12 strategically located UK and Ireland offices, Cavendish brings together industry-specialist communications to provide integrated solutions for clients and limitless development opportunities for our people.

We believe in sourcing talent from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a company culture that leads to a strong work life balance, and strengthening it by providing great learning and development opportunities.

What you will get from us

You’ll have the opportunity to take your career to the next level, working with dynamic, talented people in a fast paced and expanding organisation.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide extensive training and development opportunities and an industry leading benefits package including:

  • A flexible, hybrid working model
  • Access to mentorship from some of the best minds in the industry
  • Industry leading allocation of paid time off
  • Geographical flexibility across our regional offices
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Regular social and teambuilding events
  • Paid time off to volunteer for a charity
  • What we are looking for
  • A hunger to learn, an enthusiastic attitude and an open mind.
  • A desire to work at pace, learn by osmosis from industry experts, and deliver consistently high-quality work.
  • An interest in current affairs and understanding of how local, devolved and national government works.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A creative mindset.
  • Knowledge And Skills
  • Strong and demonstrable interest in current affairs, politics and stakeholder engagement.
  • An excellent understanding of the political system in Northern Ireland, with a strong knowledge base of the political institutions across the UK and Ireland.
  • The ability to think strategically and develop new business proposals, tender responses and client strategies and engagement plans
  • Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work across client and internal teams to develop strong and lasting relationships with clients and colleagues
  • What you’ll need to do

A lead relationship holder for your assigned clients.

You are accountable for the effective and profitable delivery of projects and retainers for these clients.

You are a key driver of income growth, taking responsibility for developing existing clients and winning new clients for Cavendish.

Your specific duties will include

  • Working with multi-disciplinary teams to lead Government Relations campaigns in support of major projects in the energy, development, health & telecoms sectors.

This will include elements of strategy formulation as well as tactical delivery.

  • Supporting and leading the delivery of current Government Relations activity in Belfast including strategy development, tactical delivery, community and media liaison, client meeting attendance, and compiling project documentation.
  • Helping drive research both in support of individual tenders and pitches and more general public affairs campaigns.
  • Working with the Directors to analyse the market, develop new offerings and products/services. Support Government Relations marketing activity.
  • Working in a flexible way across projects and teams to provide support in line with client and new business demands.
  • Equal Opportunities

Our vision is to be a truly diverse and inclusive workplace that enables us to attract and retain a diverse workforce, representative of our clients and community.

For this reason, we welcome applications from candidates regardless of qualifications and experience in industry and from all persons, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas, and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring to an organisation.

We are a disability confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application and interview stages, please email peopleteam@cavendishconsulting. com.

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Account Director | Government Relations employer: Cavendish

Cavendish is an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration, providing a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a flexible hybrid working model, generous PTO, and private medical benefits, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The company fosters a culture of growth, offering ample opportunities for career advancement while working on impactful campaigns within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Cavendish

Contact Details:

Cavendish Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Account Director | Government Relations

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Cavendish, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Cavendish and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Account Director | Government Relations

Strong Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Strategic Thinking
Stakeholder Engagement
Knowledge of Political Systems
Project Management
Client Relationship Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Cavendish and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Cavendish, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Cavendish.