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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful corporate communications and media strategies for top clients.
- Company: Join Headland, a fast-growing UK agency focused on strategic storytelling and reputation management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional growth opportunities, and support for diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape client strategies and drive creativity while working on exciting industry briefs.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate communications, media relations, and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
We\’re Hiring: Associate Director – Financial and Professional Services (Corporate Communications)
Headland is looking for a strategic communicator who specialises in working with financial and professional services firms. If you\’re passionate about storytelling, reputation management, and are ready for your next step at Associate Director level, we\’d love to hear from you.
We are one of the UK\’s fastest-growing communications agencies. At Headland, we believe reputations are built through purposeful relationships, and they happen by design. We blend Corporate Communications, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Strategy & Insight, Campaigning, Digital, and more to help clients tell their stories with impact.
The RoleAre you currently an Account Director or a newly promoted Associate Director looking for your next challenge? As an Associate Director at Headland, you\’ll act as a senior client lead and media strategist for organisations in the financial and professional services sectors. You\’ll shape client strategy, ensure excellence in delivery, and play a key role in new business growth.
Lead high-impact corporate communications programmes and campaigns, reporting into a Director and Partner
Shape media strategies and manage national press and stakeholder relationships
Oversee press office activity and support teams through complex reputational issues
Provide senior counsel to clients and mentor junior colleagues
Drive efficiency, creativity, and quality across your client teams
Contribute to new business development, pitches and relationship-building
Who We\’re Looking For
A strong track record in corporate communications, specifically within financial and professional services
A depth of experience in media relations and strategic storytelling
A history of building trusted relationships with senior clients and leading high-performing teams
Experience contributing to and taking a central role in new business — from strategy to proposal writing
Excellent writing, presentation and interpersonal skills
A collaborative, curious, and proactive approach
Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking skills
Inclusion & AccessibilityWe believe diverse perspectives make us stronger, and we\’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you need any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know — we\’re happy to help.
We are proud to have been awarded full accreditation with The Blueprint. This industry-recognised programme helps talented Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority communications professionals find employers committed to their growth. It also supports organisations in attracting, retaining and nurturing diverse talent.
Learn more about The Blueprint
Interested?Please apply via LinkedIn with your CV and a short covering note. We look forward to hearing from you.
You can find out more about us here: www.headlandconsultancy.com
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Associate Director employer: Headland
Contact Detail:
Headland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the corporate communications field. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people from Headland or similar agencies. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Headland's recent campaigns and case studies. Understanding their approach to storytelling and reputation management will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed media relations or navigated reputational challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative spirit. Highlight experiences where you've worked effectively within teams, especially in high-pressure situations, as this is crucial for a role that involves leading account teams and driving business growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in corporate communications, media relations, and brand storytelling. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead high-impact programmes and manage client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, express your passion for storytelling and reputation management. Mention how your skills align with the role's requirements and provide examples of successful campaigns you've led or contributed to.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities by discussing how you've shaped media strategies or contributed to business growth in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in new business development and proposal writing.
Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership: Since the role involves guiding teams and providing senior counsel, emphasise your collaborative approach and leadership experience. Share instances where you've supported junior team members or driven team success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Headland
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As an Associate Director, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas or managed reputational challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to shape narratives that resonate with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to developing media strategies and client relationships. Think about specific instances where your strategic insights led to successful outcomes, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
Since you'll be overseeing teams, it's important to convey your leadership style. Share experiences where you've guided junior team members or managed high-performing account teams, focusing on how you foster collaboration and drive results.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Expect questions about your experience with new business development and proposal writing. Have examples ready that illustrate your success in pitching and building relationships, as this is crucial for contributing to the agency's growth.
