Associate Director, Corporate Communications

APCO in Paris is looking for an experienced Associate Director to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in corporate communications, with a track record of advising senior clients, developing integrated communications strategies, and managing complex, high-profile accounts.

The Role

As an Associate Director, you will play a senior role in developing and delivering corporate communications and reputation strategies across a range of sectors.

You will act as a trusted adviser to clients, leading the development and delivery of strategic communications programmes across corporate reputation, executive communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, policy communications, and crisis and issues. You will lead client accounts and projects, oversee high-quality delivery, build strong client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of our practice in Paris.

This role provides exposure to a wide range of high-profile projects and international clients, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across APCO's global network. You will be part of a high performing, inclusive and collaborative team, working across markets and disciplines to deliver impactful work for our clients.

APCO is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional development. We offer structured training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of corporate communications and reputation strategies for a diverse portfolio of clients.

• Develop and implement integrated communications programmes that strengthen corporate reputation, build visibility and engage key audiences, including media, business leaders, industry stakeholders and other influential groups.

• Manage and grow client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser and key client contact while overseeing projects, leading account teams, and ensuring high-quality delivery. 

• Play an active role in business development, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and participating in pitches.

• • Mentor and develop junior colleagues, providing guidance, feedback and opportunities for professional development.

  • Collaborate with APCO colleagues across markets and disciplines to bring integrated thinking and international perspectives to clients.

   

  Qualifications/Skills

   

  • At least 6 years’ experience in corporate communications, corporate reputation or strategic communications, ideally within a consultancy or agency environment.

  • Proven experience managing client relationships, with strong project and account management skills and the ability to lead teams and oversee multiple deliverables to a high standard.

  • Strong experience developing and delivering integrated corporate communications and reputation strategies, including areas such as media relations, corporate positioning, executive communications, thought leadership, policy communications and issues and crisis management.

  • A strong understanding of the French media landscape, with experience engaging media and other influential stakeholders on behalf of clients.

  • Strong strategic, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide senior-level client counsel and translate complex issues into clear and compelling communications.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop junior colleagues, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and coaching.

  • Proven track record of contributing to new business development and organic client growth, including developing proposals, participating in pitches and identifying opportunities to expand existing accounts.

  • Full professional proficiency in both French and English.

   

  We are recognized as one of the best agencies to work for in our industry, providing:

  • The opportunity to work on a diverse range of clients and projects with some of the industry’s best and brightest.

  • A collegial and collaborative working environment, where you will work closely with colleagues from around the world.

  • Significant opportunities to develop professionally, with extensive training and personal development programs as well as access to LinkedIn Learning. 

  • A competitive compensation and benefits package, including mobility benefit, restaurant tickets and access to mental health support.

  • An enhanced Parental leave policy for all our employees from day one.

  • A paid opportunity each year to contribute to your community as part of our APCO Gives Back scheme.

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  • Careers at APCO

  • Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams to bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.  

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.  

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.  

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. 

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.