Public Affairs, Public Policy & Government Relations Associate Director, Paris

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director to join a growing Public Affairs & Public Policy practice in Paris. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in expanding the French offer and to shape the political engagement strategies of leading companies and organisations.

Our client is a leading strategic communications consultancy with a strong European presence, delivering integrated services across public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, and reputation management. Their Paris office sits at the heart of French and EU decision-making, supporting clients in shaping policy, managing regulatory risk, and building stakeholder trust.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for delivering strategic advice to clients, managing high-level political and institutional relationships, and driving business development initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a solid understanding of the French political and policymaking environment, strong consultancy or in-house experience, and a well-established network of institutional contacts.

As Public Affairs Associate Director, you will be expected to:

• Provide senior-level strategic counsel to clients on matters related to public affairs, public policy, and government relations
• Lead the development and execution of influence strategies targeting key stakeholders across the French political and regulatory landscape
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government officials, regulators, and industry associations at national and regional levels
• Identify and drive new business opportunities, preparing and presenting proposals and pitch materials to prospective clients
• Manage client teams effectively, overseeing deliverables, quality control, budgeting and timelines
• Mentor, support and develop junior consultants to ensure team performance and progression
• Contribute to the strategic development and commercial growth of the Paris office and wider European public affairs practice

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Extensive experience in public affairs, public policy, or government relations – either in consultancy, a political institution, trade body, or in-house public affairs team
• Deep understanding of the French political landscape, legislative processes, and regulatory environment
• Strong commercial awareness, with a track record of converting new business opportunities into long-term client partnerships
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable advice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English
• Comfortable leading meetings with senior stakeholders and providing high-level counsel in sensitive or high-pressure situations
• Team-oriented, supportive leader, capable of motivating and developing colleagues

You will join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment in the heart of Paris, where your work will directly influence policy debates and regulatory outcomes. From the outset, you will be entrusted with client leadership, strategic planning, and new business development.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV, as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.