Salary: £61,000-£75,000 per annum based on experience
Contract: Permanent
Role overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced EU-UK Associate Director to join our Public Affairs team. As an Associate Director, you will play a pivotal role in helping us grow and drive the success of our clients’ public affairs strategies by ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
This is both an internal and external leadership and client facing role that would suit an individual who thrives on unambiguous and direct communication and enjoys growing a business and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
We deeply care about our team and are looking for an individual who will embrace our management style based on a supportive culture and who will get on board with our mission to remain an effective influence for better in the world of public affairs.
Requirements
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in public affairs roles.
- Experience in public affairs agencies and/or trade associations is a must.
- Proven track record of successfully managing client relationships and delivering impactful public affairs strategies.
- Proven track record of generating new business and/or expanding existing contracts.
- Proven track record managing and leading a team, with the ability to inspire, motivate and mentor colleagues.
- Deep understanding of the EU and UK policy landscape and industry dynamics.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities and pro-active attitude.
- Excellent spoken and written English (native-speaker level or equivalent). Any additional languages will be considered an asset.
- Experience in public health, finance and/or chemical sectors will be considered an asset
Core competencies
- Strategic leadership: Devise and execute effective public affairs and advocacy campaigns and provide strategic counsel on policy trends, impactful messaging and effective stakeholder engagement.
- Client servicing: Serve as the senior point of contact for clients, helping account managers and/or account directors maintain and deepen relationships, anticipate client needs and proactively offer solutions and opportunities. Ensure client satisfaction through the team’s consistent, high-quality service delivery. Conduct regular reviews of project performance, identifying areas for improvement and cost optimisation.
- Business growth: Take a proactive approach in contributing to the growth of the business through active networking and leading on new business proposals and pitches. Stay ahead of industry trends to position the agency as leaders in the space. Cultivate strong connections and build trust with policymakers, government officials, industry representatives and journalists.
- Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of talented professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment that encourages excellence and accountability.
- Brand ambassadorship: Contribute to the agency’s thought leadership by producing internal and external articles, contributing quotes to the media and participating in industry forums and events. Represent our company with pride, both internally and externally.
Compensation and Benefits
- 25 days holiday + 1 additional day per each year of service until reaching 30-day limit;
- Birthday off;
- Company bonus scheme;
- Pension scheme;
- Private medical insurance;
- Hybrid working arrangement (1 mandatory day per week in the office, the other 4 voluntary) with great offices in the heart of Central London;
- Flexible working available;
- 1 month paid sabbatical after 5 years of service;
- Bi-annual reviews focusing on personal development;
- Investment in personal growth: hands-on internal training from public relations and public affairs colleagues and opportunities for external training;
- Regular socials and outings;
- Fortnightly Deliveroo allowance
- Cycle-to-work scheme;
- Free eye tests.
About us
Whitehouse Communications is an independent issues-led political communications agency based in London, specialising in public affairs, policy analysis, media relations and crises communications. We advise clients on how to effectively and positively engage with key decisionmakers in Brussels, Westminster, Whitehall, and local government.
How to apply
If you are passionate about EU-UK public affairs and meet the requirements described above, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the essential requirements for this role and why you’re passionate about the opportunity to join us recruitment@whitehousecomms.com for the attention of Laura Contin by 20th December COB.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to submit your CV and cover letter as soon as possible. Due to the high number of applications received, only selected candidates will be contacted.
The first round of interviews will be conducted online with a second round taking place in person in our London offices.
Equal opportunities statement
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and to make full use of the talents and resources of all employees and to provide a healthy environment that will encourage good and productive working operations within the organisation. You and any job applicant will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
