Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth
Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth

Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth

Full-Time 80000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ellwood Atfield

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic public affairs initiatives and develop impactful client relationships.
  • Company: Boutique consultancy known for its innovative approach and strong reputation.
  • Benefits: Opportunity for ownership, professional growth, and shaping the agency's future.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team at a pivotal growth moment and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in public affairs and strong commercial instincts required.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to mentor and develop talent.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.

Our client is an independent, boutique communications and public affairs consultancy working with a range of high-profile organisations across corporate, policy and reputational issues. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, strategic advice and integrated campaigns. The agency is entering an exciting phase of growth and evolution. With an ambitious leadership team and a collaborative culture, it offers the opportunity to shape both client work and the direction of the business as it scales.

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced public affairs professional who combines strategic counsel with strong commercial instincts. The Director will play a central role in guiding client programmes, developing new business opportunities and strengthening the agency’s senior capability. Joining at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth, the successful candidate will help deepen client relationships, support the expansion of the agency’s portfolio and contribute to the development of a high-performing team.

The role would suit someone seeking genuine ownership and responsibility within a growing consultancy environment, with the opportunity to influence decisions, shape ways of working, and play an active role in the development of both the team and the wider business.

Main Responsibilities
  • Provide senior strategic counsel to clients, developing integrated public affairs and communications strategies that deliver measurable impact.
  • Lead and grow key client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders.
  • Identify and drive new business opportunities, contributing to the agency’s continued commercial growth.
  • Lead and contribute to pitches, proposals and scope development for prospective and existing clients.
  • Oversee account delivery to ensure high-quality, insight-led work across public affairs, policy and media engagement.
  • Support the development and mentoring of consultants, strengthening capability across the team.
  • Monitor political and policy developments to inform client strategies and identify emerging opportunities.
  • Contribute to the wider leadership of the business, supporting operational planning and the agency’s long-term growth.
Skills & Experience
  • Significant experience in public affairs, strategic communications or political advisory roles within an agency.
  • Strong understanding of UK politics and policy, with well-developed networks across the political and stakeholder landscape.
  • Proven track record of managing senior client relationships and delivering strategic counsel.
  • Demonstrable experience contributing to or leading new business development and commercial growth.
  • Experience leading, mentoring and developing teams in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
  • Commercial awareness and the ability to balance client delivery with business objectives.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • A collaborative leadership style and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth employer: Ellwood Atfield

As an independent boutique communications and public affairs consultancy, our client offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where employees can truly make an impact. With a strong focus on professional growth, the firm provides ample opportunities for leadership development and the chance to shape both client strategies and the agency's future direction. Joining at this exciting phase of evolution means being part of a team that values innovative thinking and fosters meaningful relationships, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in public affairs.
Ellwood Atfield

Contact Detail:

Ellwood Atfield Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs and communications space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create content that highlights your knowledge of UK politics and strategic communications. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a blog, let your voice be heard. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts attention from potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the agency's work. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and clients. When you can speak knowledgeably about their campaigns and how you can contribute, you’ll stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us grow. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that exciting role in our dynamic team.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth

Strategic Counsel
Public Affairs
Communications Strategies
Client Relationship Management
Business Development
Team Leadership
Political Awareness
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Acumen
Proposal Development
Mentoring
Operational Planning
Collaborative Leadership
Solutions-Focused Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public affairs and strategic communications. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to provide strategic counsel and develop integrated campaigns. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully navigated complex client relationships and delivered measurable impact.

Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to emphasise your experience in leading teams and mentoring others. Share stories that reflect your collaborative leadership style and how you’ve contributed to team growth and development.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing consultancy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ellwood Atfield

✨Know Your Client

Before the interview, dive deep into the consultancy's recent projects and client relationships. Understanding their approach to public affairs and strategic growth will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in developing integrated public affairs strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex political landscapes and delivered measurable impact for clients in the past.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a senior role, they’ll be looking for someone who can lead and mentor teams. Share specific instances where you've developed talent or contributed to a high-performing team, showcasing your collaborative leadership style.

✨Be Business Savvy

Highlight your commercial awareness by discussing how you've identified new business opportunities in previous roles. They want to see that you can balance client delivery with the agency’s growth objectives, so come prepared with ideas on how you could contribute to their expansion.

Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Growth
Ellwood Atfield

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