At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic public affairs initiatives and manage client relationships for impactful campaigns.
- Company: MHP Group, a cutting-edge communications agency focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on team growth and career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping public affairs strategies and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public affairs with a strong network and agency background.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
MHP Group is the integrated communications agency built for the Networked Age – a world that’s increasingly connected, complex, polarised and activist. We lead the way in the application of behavioural science to solve communications challenges. We create strategies and multichannel campaigns to engage every audience, from consumer to policy maker, and from stakeholder to shareholder. With 190 experts in London, we are trusted by many of the world’s leading businesses and brands. Our specialist teams include Brand & Reputation, Corporate Advisory & Capital Markets, Public Affairs, Strategic Media, Crisis & Risk, Change & Employee Engagement, Health, Financial Services, Technology, Mischief and Studio La Plage.
Role overview
We’re looking for someone with a strong strategic mindset, exemplary understanding of public affairs and the communication challenges its clients face, and a proven track record of being able to play a leading part in new business.
As a Director at MHP Group, you will:
- Act as an integral part of clients’ strategic advisory team to provide senior counsel and strategy input
- Help manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring excellent service delivery and high levels of client satisfaction
- Play a key role in new business growth, including prospecting, responding to briefs and growing existing clients
- Support the Public Affairs leadership team in ensuring overall quality, client retention and delivery of budgeted results and profitability targets
- Shape and steer public affairs strategies, helping to ensure the team continues to grow, innovate and excel in its client work
- Maintain networks across politics, policy and business that enable you to stay abreast of trends and macro developments
- Help with the overall development of the team, resource planning, allocation, recruitment, staff welfare and performance issues; nurture the team, provide guidance and counsel to ensure team retention
- Be an ambassador for Public Affairs within MHP, Engine, client inter-agency teams and the wider industry
You will:
- Be a seasoned Public Affairs practitioner with experience of major corporate clients across a range of sectors
- Possess an agency background with a strong record of working with marquee clients and delivering counsel
- Have a strong network and track record of helping to win new business
- Be an enthusiastic team player, ambitious to help build a team and offer
- Inspire, lead and help nurture talent with the team
- Be well-connected across politics, policy and business - especially the Labour Party, if possible
- Consistently exceed client expectations in the development and delivery of client communications strategies for which you are responsible
And in return, we offer:
- Excellent starting salary with annual reviews
- 25 days holiday allowance (+ bank holidays), a day off to celebrate your Birthday, ‘Time4U’ every month and office Christmas closure
- Matched pension contributions (up to 5%)
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Season ticket loans and Cycle to work scheme
- Gym & Shopping discounts
- Access to our Learning Academy to support your career and personal growth
- Hybrid (up to 2 days remote working per week)
- 'Work from Anywhere' one week per year
Here at MHP Group, we are committed to creating an inclusive and a diverse workforce.
Director, Public Affairs employer: MHP Group
MHP Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills in public affairs while working alongside industry experts. The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Public Affairs
✨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 MHP Group. 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 MHP Group, 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 MHP Group 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 Director, Public Affairs
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 MHP Group. 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 MHP Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at MHP Group
✨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.
