PR Business Director in London

We are seeking an experienced Business Director to lead and grow a portfolio of global communications accounts spanning public sector, international development and philanthropy clients including leading foundations, multilateral institutions and UN agencies.

Accounts can span a wide range of tasks from leveraging media relations to promote brand reputation, visibility and trust to leveraging media relations as part of integrated creative advocacy or resource mobilization campaigns across global and social issues.

The Business Director will provide senior counsel to clients, drive business growth and lead multidisciplinary teams across media relations, digital communications, thought leadership, content, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

This role requires exceptional client management, strategic judgement and a deep understanding of complex global issues including climate, economic development, health, migration, humanitarian response and sustainable development.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Business Director will act as a trusted adviser to senior client stakeholders while ensuring the delivery of world-class communications programmes that drive reputation, influence policy and achieve measurable impact.

We are trusted to deliver high quality, high frequency of media hits for our clients in top tier and regional media.

Therefore, it is crucial that candidates demonstrate very strong, active relationships with journalists.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Client Leadership
• Serve as the senior day-to-day lead across accounts, empowering the talented existing team to grow in their roles too.
• Advise C-suite and senior leadership teams on reputation management, stakeholder engagement and communications strategy.
• Develop integrated annual communications strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
• Anticipate emerging risks and opportunities and provide proactive strategic counsel.
• Lead complex global initiatives spanning multiple geographies, audiences and stakeholder groups.
• Media Relations & Reputation Management
• Oversee international media engagement programmes across top-tier global, regional and specialist media.
• Ensures consistent frequency of high quality media hits for our clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with influential journalists, editors and opinion formers.
• Lead executive profiling, thought leadership and media training programmes.
• Manage crisis and issues communications where required.
• Ensure all communications activity enhances organisational credibility, trust and influence.
• Stakeholder & Policy Communications
• Design engagement programmes targeting policymakers, donors, governments, multilateral organisations, partners and civil society.
• Develop advocacy narratives that translate complex policy and technical issues into compelling stories.
• Support high-profile moments including international summits, UN General Assembly, COP, Davos and major global forums.
• Advise on coalition-building and partnership communications initiatives.
• Integrated Communications Delivery
• Lead and/or be part of multidisciplinary teams across PR, social media, digital, content, creative and paid amplification.

Role of BD will depend on whether a paid, owned or earned centric campaign.

• Maintain excellent standards of project management and quality assurance.
• Oversee budget management, forecasting and commercial performance.
• Team Leadership
• Manage and mentor account directors, account managers and account executives.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.
• Lead resource planning across accounts.
• Oversee team development and objective setting.
• Business Growth
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and grow account revenue.
• Lead proposals, pitches and strategic growth conversations.
• Contribute to wider agency thought leadership and marketing activities.
• Support the agency’s growth across the global development, philanthropy and multilateral sectors.

ABOUT YOU

You’ll bring with you

• 10+ years of experience in public relations, strategic communications or corporate affairs.
• Strong experience advising senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Proven track record managing large international communications programmes.
• Excellent understanding of global development, international affairs, sustainability.
• Strong project management capabilities ensuring slick and seamless delivery across complex communications programmes.
• Strong network of relevant media and wider key opinion former contacts.
• Strong media relations experience across international media markets.
• Outstanding writing, presentation and narrative development skills.
• Experience managing multimarket communications programmes.
• Demonstrable financial and commercial management experience.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Highly Desirable
• Experience working with governments, foundations, development banks, UN agencies or international NGOs.
• Knowledge of climate, health, economic development, migration or humanitarian issues.
• Experience supporting communications around major international events and summits.

You’re good at

• Strategic thinker with sound judgement.
• Confident adviser to senior leaders.
• Commercially minded and growth oriented.
• Highly collaborative and diplomatic.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable managing ambiguity.
• Curious about global affairs and societal challenges.
• Passionate about communications that create measurable impact.
• WHAT YOU’LL GET

For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 27 days annual holiday, private healthcare, employer contributory pension, life assurance and income protection.

We also offer a host of benefits that support wellbeing including subsidised gym membership, whilst our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer learning opportunities around D&I, mentoring programmes and the opportunity for all to participate in a number of active Employee Led Networks and associated events.

Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.

ABOUT M+C SAATCHI GROUP

M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture.

As part of this M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application.

All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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