Associate Director (Communications)

Location: London (hybrid working)

Start Date: ASAP/End of summer

Application: Applications close 7th August (we will begin interviewing before closing date)

Salary: Competitive and dependant on experience

About Hanbury Strategy

We turn insight into impact. Whether a client is facing a communications challenge or has a policy goal, our exceptional team uses our understanding of politics, public opinion and the press to create campaigns that work. We have a relentless focus on achieving great results for our clients.

Founded in 2016, Hanbury continues to focus on delivering client excellence and growing our business across offices in London, Brussels, Washington D.C. and Sydney.

We are looking to recruit a driven Associate Director who will have an exceptional network of journalists, a track record of delivering high-profile news coverage, and who can confidently advise senior business leaders on how to navigate the media and protect their reputation.

From former national journalists to Special Advisers to in-house media experts, Hanbury brings together an exceptional communications team to advise and support some of the most well-known businesses in the UK and around the world. Our high performing team works with major financial institutions, tech startups, campaign groups, and household name brands to communicate their message, manage their reputation, and deliver the media coverage they need.

About You

This role requires experience in communications. However, at Hanbury we support clients across the whole communications spectrum. We are therefore open to candidates with experience across reputation, communications, politics and policy to help deliver excellence for our clients.

The ideal candidate profile:

• Passionate about media relations, with a shrewd understanding of how to secure quality coverage and a proven network of journalists.

• Will have at least 4-6 years of professional experience working in a Government press office, in a busy newsroom, or working in-house or at another agency.

• An exceptional writer, dedicated to producing high quality work and going the extra mile in a fast paced environment.

• Has a collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to mentoring and developing talent within the organisation.

• Has excellent interpersonal skills to encourage respectful debate and is not afraid to take risks.

• Has a proven track record of managing projects and leading project teams in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.

• Has excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice to senior stakeholders, both in written and verbal forms.

• Eager to be part of a dynamic team and drive a positive working environment.

• Enjoys working with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and opinions.

Role and Responsibilities

Day to Day Account Deliverables

• Provide high level counsel on messaging, media handling and communications strategies to manage the delivery to daily products and services to clients.

• Identify, develop and execute media plans to secure coverage across national, regional and trade media.

• Strengthen your own network of journalist contacts.

• Run the press office function for clients, both proactive pitching and reactive crisis handling.

Client Management

• Experienced client handling. You will manage overall client relationships on a portfolio of client accounts, demonstrating strong lateral thinking and problem resolution skills.

• Consistent focus on adding value to clients and recognises opportunities to extend relationships.

Business Development

• You will play a significant role in business development, including leading the development of well-structured and creative new business proposals.

• Active in cross and upselling to existing clients and driving new commercial opportunities.

• Strong presentation skills and influencing skills.

• Strong and developing network, building relationships with potential new business leads.

Leadership & Development

• You will be responsible for approving work created by more junior colleagues, providing coaching and effective feedback.

• You will manage junior colleagues on accounts, and have experience in delegation, motivation, supervision and development of others.

Culture

• Associate Directors support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and act as an advocate and ambassador for Hanbury both internally and externally.

Benefits

• 28 days’ paid leave plus bank holidays and time off over Christmas.

• Pension plan - 4% company contribution.

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.

• Normal working hours are 9am - 6pm.

• Electric vehicle scheme.

• Nursery scheme.

• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan.

• The opportunity to opt in to Vitality including private health care and subsidised gym.

• We are a hybrid working employer.

• Work from abroad policy for up to 4 weeks a year.

• Access to a full social and cultural calendar and employee wellness programmes.

• A rich and diverse people development programme including fortnightly internal training sessions and a full annual programme of external trainers and inspirational speakers.

Equal Opportunities

Hanbury Strategy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities, we are open to discussions about alternative working patterns or hours.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during recruitment or in employment for reasons associated with your physical or mental health. We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to fully participate in whatever way is most appropriate for them.