At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crisis communications for global clients and manage high-stakes issues.
- Company: Dynamic agency known for impactful corporate reputation management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-pressure situations and shape corporate narratives.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director - Director with a corporate background and specialism in issues and crisis communications. The person will be directly handling high level issues and crises across our broad range of clients and in a number of sectors, in addition to wider corporate reputation management work.
Reporting into the Business Partner, you will be ready to lead our day-to-day crisis activity, working with global businesses, business leaders, FMCG brands and individuals on crisis and issues preparation, media management, and providing overarching senior counsel on a 24/7 basis. The role will also include working with companies and individuals on communications positioning and framing corporate narratives, defining issues management strategies and leading on media relations.
Key Responsibilities- Leading an ‘always-on’ 24/7 crisis offering working into the Business Partner / lead
- Providing immediate communications support for senior clients on developing reputational issues, including out of hours assistance as the primary client contact
- Securing the confidence of colleagues as a senior communications advisor on a wide range of corporate communications issues and disciplines
- Writing crisis and issues preparation plans for clients to anticipate and mitigate against media-facing reputational challenges
- Handling day-to-day issues for a portfolio of major clients, including front line media relations
- Stress testing client crisis strategies through issues workshops and crisis simulations
- Developing corporate positioning, messaging and narrative frameworks to address crisis situations
- Driving corporate reputation strategies to help both major global businesses and challenger brands tell their stories in an impactful way
- Developing creative corporate communications strategies and campaigns for diverse clients and issues and ensuring their successful delivery
- Participating in, and leading, new business development, including originating leads and managing pitch meetings, presentations and proposals
- Contributing strategy and solutions to new business efforts and proactively introducing new ideas to improve our offering
- Proactively building internal and external networks with colleagues, opinion leaders, journalists, professional associations, online influencers and other relevant third parties
- Line managing and mentoring junior team members, including responsibility for their evaluation and professional development
- Have substantial experience gained in an agency environment or through leading a busy in-house team at the sharp end of issues management
- Direct and demonstrable experience dealing with high-profile issues and crises for global corporate clients or business leaders
- Seasoned and confident client handler with experience of advising at senior levels
- Excellent time management skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment, managing your own work and that of others
- Demonstratable connections across media both traditional and online
- Experience in a senior management role leading people and teams, and a track record in industry leading corporate campaigns
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to influence clients and colleagues
- Enthusiasm and a ‘can-do’, proactive attitude
- Ability to interact with and gain the trust of senior clients and colleagues
Associate Director - Director in London employer: Freuds
Freuds is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives and employees are empowered to push boundaries. With a commitment to personal and professional growth, team members have the opportunity to work on innovative projects for renowned clients like Nike and KFC, while being part of a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Joining Freuds means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the industry, all within the dynamic setting of a leading creative agency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Director in London
✨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 Freuds. 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 Freuds, 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 Freuds 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 Associate Director - Director in London
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 Freuds. 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 Freuds.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freuds
✨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.
