Associate Director of Public Relations

ABOUT WE

WE is one of the largest communications and integrated marketing agencies in the world, with 23 offices globally and more than 1,400 employees who love bringing communications to the next level. We’re independent, we’re all about our people — both our clients and our employees — and we believe in the power of communications to move audiences to positive action.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping translate complex innovations into powerful, persuasive stories. Our sector expertise across key verticals — including technology, healthcare, consumer, and brand purpose — translates into insights and strategies that are informed, current and credible. We work with companies that are embracing the ever-evolving digital world to reinvent themselves, to deliver new value to their customers or reach them in new ways and ultimately improve people’s lives.

When you work at WE, you will find compelling work, global partnerships, worthwhile professional development, outstanding benefits and the opportunity to make a difference. We value those who share our belief in the power of change, discovery and innovation. We invest in our future by creating an open and welcoming workplace full of bright, skilled and determined people.

In London, WE is committed to a fully hybrid working model, to enable us to nurture a culture of collaboration, flexibility and inclusivity. Whether you work from our office in Southwark or from home we trust you to manage your week in the way that best suits you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking to hire a fearless Associate Director to spearhead a number of the marque clients within our award-winning technology practice. The ideal candidate will be a superstar technology communicator who wants an environment where passion, creativity and curiosity are valued. We are looking for someone who has experience running profitable international accounts in the B2B Tech sector.

Successful candidates will have a knack for first-class client service, mentoring and growing direct reports, excellent presentations skills and an interest in being part of a growing practice (including the agency opportunities and responsibilities that might entail).

If you’re passionate about working for innovative clients and have proven success in managing large-scale accounts, know how to make clients happy and are able to effectively build and lead an account team, we’d love to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client service

• Overall team and client leadership (reporting into a Director), including:

• Account planning and strategic direction

• Providing strategic counsel to direct clients and senior stakeholders to help retain and grow the business

• Issues resolution

• Results oversight inc. defining KPIs and service agreements

• Budget management, team resourcing (in conjunction with AM) and coaching on commercial aptitude

• Identifying and converting opportunities for organic growth

Press office

• Using established network of national/business media contacts (with a particular focus on senior level influencers) to deliver strategic analysis and tier one media opportunities

• Leading significant media campaigns (inc. developing plans and advising on approach)

• Proactive story leadership/supervision using strong industry, trends and technology knowledge

• Advising on more complex inbound media enquiries

• Reviewing materials (as needed)

Social media

• Partnering with account social/digital leads to drive integrated comms strategies

New business

• Leading new business pitches, developing a pipeline of prospects and managing the process – helping to develop the strategic insight, messaging and creative concepts

Agency & technology practice leadership

• Involvement in the WEUKAD peer group

• Involvement in the UK Tech Leads group

• Oversight of AM peer group

• Managing career development and performance of direct reports

• Training junior level staff

PREVIOUS PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• SAD experience within B2B clients inc. technical, across multiple sectors

• Experience in running business critical multi-market and UK accounts, and a proven track record in organic growth

• Proven track record of delivering successful integrated campaigns

• Proactive and effective team leader, able to run efficient and motivated teams, get ahead of issues

• Proven ability to develop strong senior media relationships, which they use to develop powerful media narratives and secure tier one opportunities

• Experience conducting successful business development for both new and existing clients

• Demonstrated ability to drive strong client relationships, providing strategic & tactical advice, drafting/executing plans, providing thoughtful analysis

• In-depth understanding and management of client budgets – and ability to discuss/negotiate authoritatively with clients

CULTURE

• Fast paced (frequent tight deadlines, multitasking, etc.)

• Strong customer service orientation

• Spirited (look for inquisitive employees who will ask questions, challenge and get stuck in)

• Non-hierarchical, open working environment (ability to work in a team, contribute to meetings)

• Social (willing to get involved in agency life and with your peer group)

Equal Opportunity: WE provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.

Diversity and Inclusion: WE values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background and sexual orientation as well as differences in experiences and ideas.

WE Communications