At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for innovative clients and tackle complex challenges.
- Company: Dynamic, employee-owned firm with a focus on technology and policy.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, professional development, healthcare, and 26 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive culture prioritising feedback, learning, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communications while working with industry leaders and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in corporate communications, strong advisory skills, and AI tool proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Our clients operate at the frontiers of innovation - we advise technology companies driving change, global investors funding the future, the giants of sport and entertainment, and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations. Our work spans corporate and financial communications, policy and public affairs to engage regulators and policymakers, policy communications and leadership communications. We underpin the full breadth of our capabilities with research-driven insights and campaigns. We're also pioneering AI-enhanced advisory work for both our clients and internal innovation, using technology to unlock insights from data at unprecedented scale and speed.
Our Associate Directors are experienced communications leaders who combine real advisory authority with a genuine appetite to keep developing – working alongside senior leaders to deliver exceptional client work and grow their own leadership capabilities. Your work could span AI companies defining responsible innovation, investors backing the next generation of technology, sports franchises building global audiences, and leaders whose decisions shape industries. The clients are category-defining. The challenges are complex. The standards are uncompromising.
You'll lead client relationships, shape strategic direction, and ensure the work your teams deliver consistently meets the highest standards. This is a hands-on role. You'll advise clients directly and play an active part in delivering work alongside your teams, not just directing from a distance. Beyond client delivery, you'll build your external network, contribute to new business opportunities, and support the development of colleagues at earlier stages of their careers.
What you'll do
- Lead client work: You'll take strategic responsibility for our clients’ most important communications challenges, whether that's navigating policy debates, preparing for major announcements, or protecting reputation when stakes are highest. You'll build the trust that lets you deliver genuinely impactful advice, drawing on the full resources of the firm to help clients build and defend their reputations.
- Drive teams and develop colleagues: You'll structure work clearly, delegate effectively, and hold yourself and others to high standards. You'll coach colleagues on your teams, sharing your experience in ways that help them develop their own advisory instincts. You'll work alongside your peers to lead and inspire colleagues across our European team, fostering a culture where exceptional advice, continuous learning and collaboration are the norm.
- Contribute to AI-enhanced advisory: You'll help drive how we're using AI to transform the quality and precision of our work. You'll guide colleagues in developing AI capabilities, document and share best practice across the firm, and push the boundaries of what's possible in advisory work through technology.
- Support business development: You'll identify and contribute to converting new opportunities and extending existing client relationships. You'll cultivate an external network that's useful to clients and the firm, and you’ll bring an entrepreneurial mindset to how you think about growth – whether that’s identifying new ways to help existing clients or contributing to pitches and proposals.
- Shape our culture: You’ll give and receive regular feedback at all levels, demonstrate allyship to colleagues, actively seek input from others, and support the wellbeing of everyone on the team. You’ll contribute to a culture where brilliance, restlessness, comradeship, inclusivity and integrity aren’t just values - they’re how we operate every day.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who combines deep expertise with the energy and vision to keep pushing forward.
- Essential: Around 8 years+ of corporate communications experience in consultancy or in-house roles, including time working with technology companies and/or investors. Demonstrable ability to take a strategic approach to reputation challenges, rooted in research, data, and insight. Experience building advisory relationships with senior stakeholders and delivering strategic counsel in high-pressure situations. Experience taking an integrated approach to communications campaigns, engaging with a range of audiences and channels. Track record of developing media strategies and maintaining an active network of media contacts. Experience managing and developing others through coaching and feedback. Strong grasp of AI tools and their application in advisory work, with ability to drive adoption across teams. Intellectual curiosity to develop expertise in new areas and an entrepreneurial approach to building networks. Commitment to seeking feedback and contributing to an inclusive culture. Excellent command of written and verbal English.
- Desirable: Experience advising on AI policy, technology regulation, or emerging technology challenges. Experience working within scaling teams. Existing network within technology, policy, media or investor communities in London.
Why join us
We're an independent, employee-owned firm, which means the people who work here share in our collective success. We operate across London, Brussels, San Francisco and New York, advising technology companies, global investors, iconic brands and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations.
Our culture is built on five values: brilliance, restlessness, comradeship, inclusivity and integrity. We expect a lot from each other, but we also invest in each other—through honest feedback, shared learning and genuine care that goes beyond the work itself.
You’ll have access to competitive pay with transparent salary bands, twice-yearly bonuses, professional development opportunities guided by our career framework and progression pathways, private healthcare, mental health support, 26 days holiday plus public holidays (outside of our annual Christmas break), and a hybrid working model (three days in the office: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday).
We’re also serious about building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We have measurable commitments around representation, inclusion, and supporting underrepresented communities through pro bono work. Creating an environment where everyone can thrive is central to how we operate.
Associate Director employer: Jobless
At OX Tools, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive team culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Product Director, you will not only lead innovative product strategies but also benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a dynamic global brand. Join us in our relentless pursuit of excellence and be part of a company that values passion, design, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨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 Jobless. 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 Jobless, 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 Jobless 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
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 Jobless. 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 Jobless.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobless
✨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.