Director / Associate Partner - Thought Leadership & Strategic Communications

Agency :

Cicero

Job Description :

Responsible for leading the management on multiple and sometimes large and complex client service delivery. Involved in planning, strategy development and creative input. Plays a significant role in business development, seeking out new opportunities and areas for organic growth whilst also having involvement in developing proposals, being the lead on new business pitches.

Job Title: Director / Associate Partner – Thought Leadership & Strategic Communications

Location: London, UK (Hybrid)
Team: Thought Leadership, Research Campaigns & Marketing Communications
Sector Focus: Financial Services, Technology, Infrastructure, Health

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Associate Partner to join our growing Thought Leadership and Strategic Communications team. This is a senior-level role for a communications professional with a proven track record in delivering high-impact, insight-driven campaigns across complex sectors. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading client engagements, driving business growth and upskilling junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of thought leadership and research-based campaigns for clients in financial services, technology, infrastructure, and health.
• Act as a senior strategic advisor to clients, offering insight-led counsel on positioning, messaging, and content strategy.
• Oversee the creation of compelling, data-driven content including white papers, reports, articles, and multimedia assets.
• Collaborate with internal teams or external partners (e.g. research, media, design) to deliver integrated campaigns.
• Contribute to business development through proposal writing, pitching, and expanding existing client relationships.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of creativity, rigour, and excellence.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in communications, marketing, or journalism, with at least 3 years in a senior client-facing or leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering thought leadership or research-led campaigns end-to-end.
• Strong sector knowledge in at least two of the following: financial services, technology, infrastructure, health.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience in agency or consultancy settings preferred.

Compulsory Skills

• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong client relationship management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Commercial acumen and experience contributing to business development.

Preferred (but Not Compulsory) Skills

• Experience with data analysis and working with market research partners.
• Creative design.
• Familiarity with digital marketing, SEO, and analytics tools.
• Media relations experience or public affairs experience.
• Experience working in international or multi-market campaigns.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment.
• Opportunities to work with leading brands and institutions.
• Career progression and leadership development support.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Contract Type :

Permanent

Here at Havas across the group we pride ourselves on being committed to offering equal opportunities to all potential employees and have zero tolerance for discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, disability and other factors that have no bearing on an individual’s ability to perform their job.