Account Director, International Affairs - Global Communications Agency

Why FleishmanHillard?

We have been named PRWeek’s Global Agency of the Year and Best Places to Work; a “Standout Agency” on Advertising Age’s A-List; NAFE’s “Top 50 Companies for Executive Women” for six years running; and among our firm’s award-winning work we’ve taken home 5 Lions in the past two years at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment for everyone. As the only PR Agency awarded EY’s National Equality Standard (twice!), all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age. Do let us know if you need any adjustments made during the interview process.

The team

We create and lead integrated communications campaigns that tackle big challenges and have an impact on the world. International Affairs is a cross-practice, specialist offer that represents foreign governments, international organisations, foundations, and companies addressing geopolitical, economic, humanitarian/development and climate issues.

The role

As an Account Director in our International Affairs team, you will develop and implement strategic communications and issues management programmes for government, NGO, philanthropy, and corporate clients on geopolitical, economic, sustainability, technological, climate and humanitarian/development issues. Working closely with the Head of International Affairs, you will have an important role in one of our key growth areas.

You will be a day-to-day client lead on media relations, stakeholder engagement and public affairs campaigns, with responsibility for advising clients, actively managing client relationships, and ensuring teams deliver to the highest standards. In addition to retaining and growing clients, you will also play an active role in developing our International Affairs offering and generating new business.

You will shape messaging, narratives, and written content, develop and oversee the implementation of media relations strategies, and support the delivery of stakeholder engagement programmes. In addition, you will manage multi-market campaigns, providing direction to colleagues in other offices, supporting their efforts to deliver results, and helping to bridge between colleagues and senior client contacts. Finally, you will help us to provide excellent client service as a project and programme director who oversees and mentors account managers and account executives and draws upon the best expertise from across teams and offices for clients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as day-to-day client lead on a portfolio of clients that cross media relations, stakeholder engagement, events and partnerships, and digital and social programmes.
• Develop creative, strategic and thoughtful communications programmes to promote positive messages and manage issues on behalf of clients.
• Oversee media relations for clients, developing creative angles, pitching stories, and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders, media, online influencers and other relevant third parties.
• Shape and implement stakeholder outreach initiatives, such as events, partnerships, roundtables and other engagements, including at major forums such as COP and Davos.
• Guide cross-practice account teams to ensure client satisfaction, high-impact work and high-quality deliverables.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the UK, European and global political and economic landscape, including relevant stakeholders and influential organisations, to provide client counsel.
• Inspire, mentor and motivate junior and mid-level team members to build a highly engaged, inclusive, and productive team, including delivering feedback and providing guidance and learning to colleagues.
• Contribute to FleishmanHillard UK, regional and global initiatives and knowledge-sharing related to international affairs issues and their impact upon clients.
• Developing new business through networking and lead generation, responding to external briefs, identifying opportunities for organic growth, and driving proposals and pitches.
• Support management of client budgets and commercials, overseeing budget development, team capacity and billing.

About you:

• Experience in developing communications programmes on behalf of governments, multilateral bodies, foundations and/or corporates, ideally addressing issues such as country reputation, economic development and trade, the climate crisis and international development.
• Agency experience is not required.

If you have experience in the above, are eligible to work in the UK and can commute to our Bankside office at least 3 days a week, we'd love to hear from you!

Perks include:

• A warm and friendly team with a fantastic portfolio of global and UK clients.
• A truly global network, the opportunity to be part of multi-market campaigns, regularly working with colleagues across the globe.
• Global mobility, a programme of short-term or permanent exchange opportunities, particularly in EMEA or the US.
• A strengths-based L&D framework with an in-house coach and development opportunities for career defining work.
• Flexibility. We’ve fully embraced hybrid and flexible working. We have a great office and human contact remains an important element of our culture.
• Work-life balance, we all work hard but having a life outside work matters to all of us, and we support each other to achieve it.
• Culture Club – from office manicures, nutritionists, inhouse massage and acupressure sessions, to Yoga on the roof terrace, quizzes, boot camps, exhibits and summer and Christmas get-togethers.
• Opportunities to join our Employee Resource Groups (global and local), the Shadow Board or DE&I Steering committee.
• A Career Guardian Scheme for underrepresented talent and mentorship opportunities.
• Pro-bono comms, volunteer opportunities and personal charity matching.
• 25 days of holiday plus a day off on your birthday (or that of your child), all days between Christmas and New Year and a buy-back scheme for those who want more.
• 6-12 week sabbaticals!
• BUPA medical cover – including 24/7 virtual GP, funded eye tests, fertility, and menopause support.
• Permanent Health Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Generous Pension contributions, personal finance clinics and Life Assurance.
• Discounted gym membership and FHeel Well reimbursement.
• Cycle2Work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Generous parental leave and emergency childcare provision.
• Passion Project Grants – funding for your passions outside of work.
• Retail, dinner or spa vouchers for key milestones.
• Omnicom employee discounts across a variety of high-street retail, travel and entertainment venue.