Associate Director, Communications

Role Overview

• Provide high level counsel on messaging, media handling and communications strategies.
• 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.
• Manage overall client relationships on a portfolio of client accounts.
• Play a significant role in business development, including leading the development of well-structured and creative new business proposals.
• Responsible for approving work created by more junior colleagues, providing coaching and effective feedback.
• Support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and act as an advocate and ambassador for Hanbury.

Requirements

• Experience in communications.
• 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.
• Passionate about media relations, with a shrewd understanding of how to secure quality coverage and a proven network of journalists.
• An exceptional writer, dedicated to producing high quality work and going the extra mile in a fast paced environment.
• Collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to mentoring and developing talent.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to encourage respectful debate and is not afraid to take risks.
• Proven track record of managing projects and leading project teams in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice to senior stakeholders, both in written and verbal forms.

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.