At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and drive impactful public affairs strategies.
- Company: Join a top-rated, employee-owned communications agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, generous holidays, performance bonuses, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse perspectives and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public affairs while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior public affairs roles and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are a leading full-service communications agency that works with clients to promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our team of over 100 people across the UK have diverse backgrounds and work together to deliver award-winning communications advice, political counsel and campaigns. Citypress is independently run, employee-owned and one of the top employers in the PR sector. We have featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies list for four years, are the most-awarded agency in the PRWeek Best Places to Work awards over the last six years and have been named as a PRWeek Agency of the Decade. We are an entrepreneurial agency with a great culture that backs people to develop their careers and deliver their best work. Our culture is inclusive, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome people with different life experiences to bring valuable insight and perspectives to our agency and clients.
About this role
Our Public Affairs team is in a period of growth and is looking for an experienced Account Director to lead on client relationships, contribute to offer development, and drive commercial impact. To succeed in this role, you will need strong links with Westminster and Whitehall, an excellent policy brain, and demonstrable experience advising c-suite level stakeholders on Government Relations – be that at an agency, or in-house. As a leader in our agency, you will have decision making authority, commercial responsibility and work with a wide range of Citypress specialists, from creative campaigns to issues and crisis, to data and analytics. A key part of your role will be helping to ensure that our multi-channel approach to public affairs is well understood, both internally, and by the market. Expertise in one or more of the food and drink, professional and financial services, or energy sectors is desirable, but not essential.
Role responsibilities
- Shaping and overseeing the strategy, direction and delivery of public affairs client programmes
- Refining and implementing Citypress' approach to public affairs and policy communications, helping to deliver thought leadership and trainings
- Maintaining senior relationships with clients and providing informed advice on often complex issues covering policy, politics and business
- Having expert knowledge of our services and sectors to provide the best counsel to clients
- Helping lead the public affairs team, driving lead generation and responding to new business briefs
- Full commercial responsibility for key clients
Role requirements
- Previous experience in senior public affairs roles either in-house or at equivalent agencies
- Proven ability in executing multi-channel issue campaigns, which span one or more of government relations, digital, creative, media, and crisis.
- Strong critical thinking and exceptional track record of leading clients and/or teams
- Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders and consistently deliver exceptional results
- Up-to-date knowledge of the business, media and political landscape in at least one of the food and drink, financial services, built environment and energy sectors
- AI-literate
- A positive and flexible attitude to work, with the ability to build relationships collaboratively across the business at all levels
- Ability to mentor and nurture the careers of colleagues by contributing to our learning and development programme
What we offer
- Performance bonus
- Annual tax-free share of profit payment via employee-ownership trust
- We work flexibly, spending three days a week in the office to collaborate and connect, and the rest wherever you work best
- Generous holiday allowance with additional days accrued with length of service
- Enhanced family leave policies, with supported return to work programme
- Menopause and fertility policies and leave
- Support leave
- Extensive learning and development programme
- Dedicated mentoring and coaching
- Healthcare plan, 24-hour GP service and employee assistance programme
- Access to independent financial advice
- Company phone and laptop
- Interest-free loans
- Regular team days and company social events
If you need help with our application process, please contact recruitment@citypress.co.uk
Public Affairs - Account Director employer: Citypress
Citypress is an award-winning, employee-owned communications agency that prioritises a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an exceptional employer for those in the Public Affairs sector. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including performance bonuses and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to impactful client relationships and innovative campaigns. Our commitment to diversity and employee well-being ensures that every team member can bring their unique perspectives to the table, fostering a dynamic environment for growth and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs - Account Director
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Citypress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Citypress, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Citypress inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs - Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Citypress. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Citypress.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citypress
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
