Account Director Public Affairs & Strategic Communications (Built Environment)

Account Director – Public Affairs & Strategic Communications (Built Environment)

Location: London (Hybrid)

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for the built environment? We’re working with a specialist consultancy that plays a pivotal role in shaping some of the UK’s most high-profile real estate, infrastructure, and regeneration projects — and they’re looking for an Account Director to join their growing team.

This is a rare opportunity to be at the heart of the political, policy, and reputational conversations influencing how our cities evolve. You'll work closely with clients across commercial and residential development, ESG, planning, placemaking, and infrastructure, providing strategic advice and public affairs leadership at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies for major clients in the built environment
• Provide senior counsel on planning communications, policy positioning, and political risk
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across local and national government, community groups, and the media
• Shape narrative and messaging that supports planning applications, regeneration projects, and long-term reputation building
• Contribute to business development and agency strategy
• Mentor and support junior team members

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in public affairs, political advisory, or strategic communications — ideally with a focus on property, infrastructure, or regeneration
• Strong understanding of local government and planning processes
• Excellent political judgement, stakeholder mapping, and influencing skills
• Confident client handler, able to deliver clear strategic counsel and manage complex briefs
• A collaborative, proactive mindset and a genuine interest in urban policy, housing, sustainability, and place

Why This Role?

• Join a senior-led, highly respected team with deep sector expertise and national influence
• Work on complex, high-impact projects that shape policy, places, and public opinion
• Enjoy a supportive, flexible working culture where your ideas and experience will help shape the agency’s future
• Excellent scope for progression, visibility, and ownership of work