Associate Director / Director, Strategy & Reputation, Energy & Sustainability (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)
About the Role
The Strategy & Reputation team works across the full breadth of corporate communications - from campaign strategy and issues management to corporate narrative, stakeholder engagement and sustainability communications. We deliver multi-channel, multi-stakeholder programmes for some of the world's leading companies, working fluidly with colleagues across public affairs, digital, crisis, financial communications and research. Our Energy & Sustainability capability is one of the fastest-growing areas of the practice – advising leading philanthropic groups, coalitions, start-ups and major businesses.
We are seeking an Associate Director or Director to join our London team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering a period of parental leave. The successful candidate will be an energetic, delivery-focused S&R generalist - ideally with some energy or sustainability experience - who can integrate quickly into an active team, hold accounts confidently and bring a campaigner's mindset to their work. The role also includes support for senior team members, and offers genuine exposure across a broad range of clients and issues.
Seniority level: Associate Director or Director (approximately 5-9 years' experience)
Contract type: 12-month fixed-term contract
Location: London
What You'll Do
Client Delivery
Manage / support a portfolio of client accounts on a day-to-day basis, working closely with senior and junior colleagues - including clients operating in energy, sustainability and regulated industries
Development and delivery of communications strategies across a range of issue types - campaign planning, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement, and issues management
Develop high-quality client materials - strategy documents, messaging frameworks, briefing notes, reactive lines, sustainability narratives and stakeholder communications
Influence the conversations clients care about through the media, online and through partnerships with think tanks, influencers etc.
Monitor and interpret the media, policy and regulatory environment for clients - particularly across the energy transition, net zero and sustainability agenda - flagging relevant developments and helping shape client responses
Build and maintain strong media relationships across relevant beats, including energy, environment, business and policy, and proactively identify opportunities for clients
Business Development
Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, new business pitches and proposals, bringing sector knowledge and fresh thinking
Build your network proactively - with media, intermediaries and potential clients - with an eye on longer-term business development
Team and Culture
Mentor and help develop more junior colleagues on a day-to-day basis
Contribute to team culture - sharing ideas, insights and enthusiasm for the work
Engage with team initiatives on diversity, inclusion and belonging
What We're Looking For
Essential
Solid experience in a corporate communications or S&R consultancy environment, with confidence managing accounts and client relationships
Strong generalist communications skills - able to move fluidly between corporate narrative, issues management, stakeholder engagement and campaign strategy
Exposure to energy, climate or sustainability-related communications briefs - whether in agency, in-house or on specific campaign mandates
A campaigner's mindset: experience developing and delivering communications campaigns across multiple channels and stakeholder groups
Strong writing skills - clear, precise and adaptable across different formats and audiences, including on technical or policy-heavy subjects
An ability to get up to speed quickly, work independently and integrate into an established team without a long runway
Proactive approach to media - with developing relationships across relevant beats, including energy, environment…