Account Director (Communications)

Location: London (hybrid working)

Start Date: ASAP/End of summer

Application: Applications close 7th August (we will begin interviewing before closing date)

Salary: Competitive and dependant on experience

About Hanbury Strategy

We turn insight into impact. Whether a client is facing a communications challenge or has a policy goal, our exceptional team uses our understanding of politics, public opinion and the press to create campaigns that work. We have a relentless focus on achieving great results for our clients.

Founded in 2016, Hanbury is focused on delivering client excellence and growing our business across offices in London, Brussels, Washington D.C., and Sydney.

We are hiring a driven (Communications) Account Director with a strong media network, a track record of delivering high-profile quality coverage, who can confidently advise clients on how to navigate the media. The successful candidate will have an appetite for developing knowledge, networks, and skills in a fast-paced and collaborative working environment.

From former national journalists to Special Advisers to in-house media experts, Hanbury brings together an exceptional communications team to advise and support some of the most well-known businesses in the UK and around the world. Our high performing team works with major financial institutions, tech startups, campaign groups, and household name brands to communicate their message, manage their reputation, and deliver the media coverage they need.

About You

This role requires experience in communications. However, at Hanbury we support clients across the whole communications spectrum. We are therefore open to candidates with experience across reputation, communications, politics and policy to help deliver excellence for our clients.

The ideal candidate profile:

• Passionate about media relations, capable of securing quality coverage through a proven media network.

• Likely 3-5 years of professional experience working in a Government press office, a busy newsroom, working in-house or at another agency.

• A strong writer, dedicated to producing high quality work and going the extra mile in a fast paced environment.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice to stakeholders, both in written and verbal forms.

• Excellent interpersonal skills which cultivate respectful debate, unafraid to take risks.

• Able to manage projects and junior team members in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment. Good organisational and problem-solving skills.

• A driven self-starter who works well independently but equally eager to be part of a dynamic team.

• Contributes to a positive working environment in teams made up of a diverse range of backgrounds and opinions.

Role and Responsibilities

Day to Day Account Deliverables

• Identify and deliver media coverage opportunities for clients.

• Develop proactive media plans to help clients communicate their message across national, regional and trade media

• Strengthen and deepen network of media contacts

• Advise clients on communications strategies

Client Management

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact for day-to-day account management.

• Help shape client account strategic direction alongside senior colleagues.

• Oversee quality control of all outputs alongside producing written content. Consistently setting a tone of excellence across accounts.

Business Development

• Build and maintain an external network of contacts and prospects.

• Support the development of business development proposals and pitches.

• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.

Leadership & Development

• Line manage and mentor junior team members.

• Delegate effectively and support team development.

• Lead by example in work quality, collaboration, and professionalism.

• Contribute to internal training and knowledge sharing.

Culture

• Account Directors support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and act as an advocate and ambassador for Hanbury both internally and externally.

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.

Equal Opportunities

Hanbury Strategy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities, we are open to discussions about alternative working patterns or hours.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during recruitment or in employment for reasons associated with your physical or mental health. We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to fully participate in whatever way is most appropriate for them.