Associate Director - Public Affairs in London

My Client is looking for an experienced public affairs professional to join its leadership group as an Associate Director.

This is an opportunity to take a prominent role within a growing advisory business, working with senior figures who need clear guidance when navigating government activity, public scrutiny and complex external pressures.

The successful person will combine strong judgement with a practical approach.

You will help set the direction of client work, ensure teams deliver effectively and provide experienced advice when circumstances are fast-moving or sensitive.

What you will be responsible for

You will take ownership of a varied portfolio of client relationships and oversee the work being delivered across them. This will include:

• Turning changes in Westminster, Whitehall and the wider commercial environment into clear recommendations for clients.
• Helping senior decision-makers understand how external developments could affect their organisations.
• Setting the approach for client programmes and making sure activity remains focused on the intended outcome.
• Coordinating colleagues across several assignments, allocating work appropriately and maintaining momentum against deadlines.
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients and building the confidence required to challenge, advise and influence them.
• Spotting developing issues early and helping clients prepare before they become more difficult to manage.
• Creating and maintaining relationships with relevant people across government, industry and other influential organisations.
• Supporting less experienced colleagues through regular guidance, constructive feedback and on-the-job development.
• Taking greater responsibility for client teams when members of the senior leadership group are unavailable.
• Playing an active part in winning work, including shaping credentials, developing pitch responses and contributing to meetings with prospective clients.
• Using your professional relationships to open conversations and identify opportunities that could benefit the wider business.
• Contributing ideas that strengthen the firm’s visibility, reputation and future growth.
• The experience my Client is looking for

You will have built your career in a public affairs agency, government, politics or another environment closely connected to public policy and decision-making.

You should bring

• A strong grasp of how government operates and how decisions are shaped.
• The ability to interpret complicated developments and explain their practical significance.
• Experience giving clear recommendations to senior and demanding audiences.
• Confidence handling several client relationships or major projects at the same time.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to decide what needs attention first.
• Good commercial instincts and an understanding of how excellent client work supports business growth.
• The confidence to question a brief, identify the real problem and recommend an effective course of action.
• Experience producing persuasive written material and communicating confidently in meetings.
• The ability to lead colleagues, maintain high standards and help others improve.
• Sound judgement in situations involving pressure, uncertainty or heightened public attention.
• A natural ability to form credible relationships with a broad range of people.
• A genuine interest in politics, business and the forces shaping public debate.
• A collaborative mindset and a willingness to contribute beyond your immediate client responsibilities.

The position would suit someone ready to operate with considerable independence, take on broader leadership responsibilities and help shape the next stage of an ambitious advisory business.

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