Director - Public Affairs & Government Relations

We are SEC Newgate UK. SEC Newgate is an award‑winning corporate affairs, public affairs and geopolitical adviser with global reach. We are the people you come to with an opportunity to seize or a problem to solve, working with organisations to enhance value and navigate reputational risk. Our advice is delivered by over 1,400 professionals across five continents, providing clients with around the clock counsel and support, implementing campaigns locally, nationally and internationally.

There are many things we feel passionately about but one that links them all together is respect. Respect for each other, ourselves, our clients, our suppliers, the environment we work in, the communities we operate in, and respect for everyone that are impacted by our actions.

Our opportunity: We are looking for an ambitious Director to join our Public Affairs and Government Relations team in London. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on shaping a strategic offering, winning new business, and delivering strategic counsel to clients.

As a Director, you will use your skills and expertise to:

• Build trust with clients and colleagues through the delivery of confident and thoughtful strategic advice;
• Oversee client teams to ensure that clients receive proactive, first‑rate service, whilst ensuring accounts are as profitable as possible;
• Leverage our global footprint and your own network to help secure corporate and public affairs briefs;
• Embed best practice across those you work with in relation to client briefs, and committing to the professional development of colleagues;
• Lead on the development and delivery of programmes for clients;
• Support the growth of the agency through close collaboration with colleagues across our three practice areas of Communications, Advocacy and The Lab.

Ideal for you if you:

• Have a strong track record of client and new business success within an agency.
• Have a strong interest in and experience with UK politics.
• Can demonstrate management of a sizeable client portfolio.
• Have a proven ability to think strategically, to manage projects and workstreams and to deliver client ready documents and events.
• Can demonstrate a track record of winning new business.
• Have a network of contacts in Public Affairs and Government which will continue to grow.
• Are an inspiring leader with experience managing and developing talent.

Why work with us? Our people are at the heart of everything we do and their experience at SEC Newgate is so important to us. Our ambition is to create a working environment where everyone can thrive. We meet the ambition and drive of our people with the opportunities and support to build a successful career. We are proud to be listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the third consecutive year, which is a testament to our exceptional team and the culture we have built together.

Employee experience and benefits:

• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office. Additional office presence is sometimes required to support client impact, collaboration and in‑person learning.
• Flexible working hours.
• 30 days annual leave with the option to purchase more – plus your birthday off.
• Access to Oliva, our professional development and wellbeing support platform – with 12 1:1 professional coaching or therapy sessions, and personalised development programmes to support your growth.
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan from day one.
• The ability to work remotely from anywhere for up to four weeks in one year.
• Training and internal mentorship programme.

To apply, please click ‘Apply For This Job’. Applications close Monday 6th April 2026 but we may appoint before then. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we work with. Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.