Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced candidate to lead a talented team directing a range of integrated public affairs and communications accounts, form an integral part of the company’s decision-making senior team, and take a leading role in identifying and securing new business to ensure the company’s continued growth. 

The new Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director would thrive in a fast-moving entrepreneurial atmosphere, have a love of politics and a high level of professionalism, and be a motivational and trusted leader. We’re looking for someone with substantial experience in strategic communications, reputation management and external relations either in agency or in-house, or with equivalent experience in government or the media. 

Job Description 

• Delivering national & international integrated corporate communications, PR and public affairs campaigns for organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to further their business objectives. 
• Leading the creation and execution of high-profile PR campaigns that generate substantial and sustained media coverage for a variety of clients across different sectors  
• Delivering high-level client outcomes, achieving profitability and account growth across a client cluster or leading on a particular policy area  
• Leading on new business development and meeting growth targets, including development of new business strategies, taking the lead in pitches, identifying opportunities for potential clients and growing existing accounts. 
• Working as part of the senior leadership team to drive forward Whitehouse business strategies and meet business targets, playing a central role in training and developing staff and in delivering the Whitehouse marketing strategy.   
• Development of communication, PR and public affairs strategies and overseeing high-quality production of materials including reports, briefs, press releases, speeches, social media content and presentations.  
• Managing relationships with key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, government officials and journalists, and managing press office activities. 
• Devising and implementing reputation management and crisis communications strategies. 
• Working with the other Directors to manage the company’s overall PR including website and its other digital presence. 
• Line management of consultants including regular reviews and personal development plans. 

Core Competencies 

• Substantial experience in a senior strategic communications and external relations role. 
• A thorough and extensive knowledge of the political processes in the UK. Understanding of European politics and public affairs a bonus.  
• Substantial experience of delivering public affairs, media relations and social media strategies.   
• A demonstrable ability to devise and carry out successful integrated political communications campaigns for organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors with demonstrable outcomes. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate persuasively with a range of decision makers along with senior corporate personnel. 
• Exceptional writing skills and great attention to detail. 
• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with key journalists, including pitching, interviewing and all press office management. 
• Experience of working with the mechanisms of government and parliament to drive forward change. 
• Experience of presenting reports and presentations both verbally and in writing. 
• Demonstrable ability to identify and drive forwards new business opportunities. 
• Substantial experience of line management. 
• Demonstrable experience in managing multiple work streams and the ability to prioritise own workload. 

Please email a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by February 8th outlining why you would like this role and your relevant experience. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.