FREELANCE - Associate Director/Director, International Affairs - Global Communications Agency presso FleishmanHillard

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives on tackling global challenges? Our International Affairs team is looking for a dynamic Associate Director or Director to develop high-impact campaigns on some of the most critical global issues, from climate change and geopolitics to economic development and humanitarian initiatives.

Why FleishmanHillard?

At FleishmanHillard, we deliver campaigns that inspire change and influence global conversations. Our International Affairs team partners with foreign governments, international organisations, and purpose-led companies to craft creative, integrated communications strategies that make a difference.

You’ll join a collaborative, globally connected team that specialises in translating complex global issues into meaningful, actionable narratives. Supported by our worldwide network, you’ll be at the forefront of campaigns that shape international agendas.

The Team:

International Affairs (IA) is a cross-practice, specialist communications offer that represents governments, international organisations, philanthropies, and companies addressing geopolitical, economic, humanitarian and climate issues. We create and lead integrated campaigns that tackle big challenges and have an impact for clients and broader society.

The Role:

This is an interim role (c. 3 months), where as a Associate Director / Director in International Affairs, you will be a senior leader overseeing client relationships, guiding strategy and execution, and directing new business. You will have a passion and track record of communications on international issues and will inspire others to deliver great work.

You will have a central role in advising clients, guiding proactive communications, overseeing issues management, and showing the impact of our work. This will include developing compelling platforms and content, directing proactive and reactive media relations, shaping stakeholder engagement and thought leadership, and contributing to integrated digital campaigns. In addition to retaining and growing clients, you will play an active role in developing our International Affairs offer and generating new business.

You will have demonstrated communications experience on behalf of governments, multinational businesses and other organisations, using a range of channels and approaches to address geopolitics, trade and investment, country reputation, international development issues and more.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications counsel and engagement:

• Leverage your understanding of complex international issues to provide counsel to clients and colleagues.
• Create strategies, messaging and narratives to position clients favourably with target audiences, using the full range of communications capabilities and channels.
• Direct media relations campaigns that advance or protect clients’ interests, including by conceptualising media strategies, overseeing outreach and advising senior spokespeople on effective media engagement.

• Establish and oversee stakeholder outreach programmes, event platforms and partnerships.
• Guide the creation of creative, high-quality content, including excellent written materials.
• Lead or partner on issues management, risk assessment and crisis communications related to international affairs, where appropriate.
• Serve as the primary client point of contact, including developing effective relationships, developing solutions to challenges, and identifying opportunities to expand client work.
• Lead multi-market engagements, working with senior FleishmanHillard colleagues in other offices and their teams to implement large-scale campaigns.
• Supervise teams across levels and practices, including line management, teaching and mentoring of mid-level and junior colleagues.
• Direct campaign tracking and measurement, with specialist research and intelligence team members.

New business development:

• Jointly identify and implement opportunities to position FleishmanHillard favourably with potential clients through marketing and business development.
• Guide thought leadership activity to help build FleishmanHillard’s profile.
• Lead or support new business pursuits, including formal RFP responses and informal opportunities.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts from governments, corporates and other organisations to cultivate business opportunities.

Attributes and experience:

• Passion for contributing to work that matters and makes a difference for our clients.
• Knowledge of the global, European and UK geopolitical and economic landscape, and how it impacts communications opportunities or risks for clients.
• Awareness of and experience with engagement around major milestones and summits such as COP, Davos, G20/G7, and the UN General Assembly.
• Confidence and credibility when engaging with and presenting to clients.

Eligibility 

You must have the right to work in the UK and be able to work in our Bankside office at least 3 days p/week

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