📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Director, Corporate Communications - Global Agency
🔹 Company: FleishmanHillard
🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)
🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-11
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Serving as the day-to-day lead for client relationships, acting as a strategic partner to senior client stakeholders.
- Developing and delivering integrated corporate communications strategies aligned with client goals.
- Navigating complex reputational challenges and providing guidance on issues, crisis, and internal communications.
- Mentoring and supporting junior team members, creating an inclusive and collaborative, high-performance environment.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of hands-on client delivery, strategic oversight, and team development. It offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious agency professional ready to step into a broader leadership role.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Client Leadership: Serve as the day-to-day lead for client relationships, acting as a strategic partner to senior client stakeholders. Foster strong, trusted relationships that encourage long-term collaboration and account growth. Ensure consistent excellence across all client interactions, deliverables, and communications.
✅ Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and deliver integrated corporate communications strategies aligned with client goals. Shape messaging platforms and narrative development for media, digital, internal, and stakeholder communications. Lead the planning and implementation of media relations programmes, securing impactful earned coverage through strong journalist relationships. Navigate reputational challenges, providing guidance on issues, crisis, and internal communications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring campaigns to life across all touchpoints. Champion innovation in communications, including the application of AI and emerging technologies.
✅ Team Management and Development: Mentor and support junior team members, creating an inclusive and collaborative, high-performance environment. Lead by example to promote creativity, attention to detail, and a solutions-first mindset. Support team resourcing, prioritisation, and wellbeing across multiple projects.
✅ Business Development: Contribute to new business efforts, including pitch development, proposal writing, and strategic insights. Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts and work with senior leadership to expand client relationships. Keep up to date with market and sector trends to inform proactive client counsel and new offering development.
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong understanding of the UK media and political landscape, with a demonstrable track record in media relations, issues management, and stakeholder communications.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
Experience: Previous experience at the senior account manager or account director level in corporate communications, ideally within an agency environment. Proven experience supporting integrated communications programmes for high-profile clients, from strategy through to execution.
Required Skills:
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong understanding of the UK media and political landscape.
- Proven experience in media relations, issues management, and stakeholder communications.
- Ability to develop compelling narratives and messaging across earned, owned, and internal channels.
- Experience advising senior leaders and handling sensitive or complex reputational challenges.
- Natural mentor with the ability to inspire and support others while managing multiple priorities.
- Commercially savvy, with a good instinct for identifying new opportunities and contributing to business growth.
- Curious, creative, and solutions-focused, with a strong interest in innovation and the role of AI in modern communications.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with AI and emerging technologies in communications.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in corporate communications and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a senior account director role in London)
Benefits:
- Inclusive and supportive culture with a fantastic portfolio of global and UK clients.
- Career growth and development opportunities, including global mobility options, mentorship, and access to a strengths-based L&D framework.
- Flexible working arrangements and a focus on wellbeing, with a healthy work-life balance.
- Wellness and perks, including office manicures, yoga, in-house massages, quizzes, and seasonal get-togethers, along with comprehensive health and wellness benefits (BUPA cover, fertility & menopause support, gym memberships, etc.).
- Generous leave and holidays, including 25 days holiday plus an additional birthday day off, extra days between Christmas and New Year, a holiday buy-back scheme, and sabbatical options.
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior account director role in London. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: FleishmanHillard is a global public relations and communications agency, specialising in corporate communications, public affairs, marketing, and digital services.
Company Size: FleishmanHillard has 79 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries, employing over 2,200 people worldwide.
Founded: FleishmanHillard was founded in 1946 and is part of Omnicom Public Relations Group.
Company Description:
- FleishmanHillard is committed to being the world’s most inclusive agency and making the world a more inclusive place.
- The agency frequently earns 100+ accolades each year, including the coveted Cannes Lions and PRSA Silver Anvils.
- FleishmanHillard is a workplace of choice, being named one of Seramount’s (previously NAFE’s) “Top Companies for Executive Women” for 12 years running and one of the Human Rights Campaign’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality for four consecutive years.
Company Specialties:
- Public relations and communications services
- Public affairs and government relations
- Marketing and branding
- Paid media and digital services
- Social media and content marketing
- Reputation management and crisis communications
Company Website: http://fleishmanhillard.com
ASSUMPTION: FleishmanHillard is a well-established and reputable agency with a strong global presence and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Account Director - This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the agency’s leadership team.
Reporting Structure: The Account Director will report directly to the agency’s leadership team and will oversee a team of account managers, senior account executives, and other support staff.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid - This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a combination of on-site and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a leadership role within the agency, such as a Managing Director or Partner.
- Expansion of client portfolio and team management responsibilities.
- Opportunities to work on multi-market campaigns with colleagues worldwide.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to progress to a leadership role within the agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
Office Location(s): 100 Southwark Street, London, England, GB
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global hub for business, finance, and media, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
- The office is located in the South Bank area, close to the River Thames and major transportation links.
- The surrounding area offers a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements available.
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is modern, collaborative, and supportive, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee wellbeing.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening.
- Phone or video screening with the HR team.
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and a member of the leadership team.
- Final interview with the agency’s leadership team.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to develop compelling narratives.
- Understanding of the UK media and political landscape.
- Experience in media relations, issues management, and stakeholder communications.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Commercial awareness and business development acumen.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of FleishmanHillard’s company culture and values.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to develop and execute strategic communications campaigns.
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan.
ATS Keywords: Corporate Communications, Account Director, Media Relations, Issues Management, Stakeholder Communications, Strategic Planning, Team Management, Business Development, AI in Communications, Reputation Management, Integrated Campaigns
ASSUMPTION: FleishmanHillard uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- AI and emerging technologies in communications
ASSUMPTION: The role may require the use of specific tools and technologies relevant to the communications industry, such as CRM software, project management tools, and media monitoring and analytics tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusive and supportive culture
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Creativity and innovation
- Integrity and ethical conduct
- Accountability and results-driven approach
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and accountable
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with FleishmanHillard’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- How do you approach working in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment?
- How do you balance hands-on client delivery with strategic oversight and team development?
ASSUMPTION: FleishmanHillard places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven hiring. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the agency’s core values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client relationships and projects simultaneously.
- Balancing hands-on client delivery with strategic oversight and team development.
- Navigating complex reputational challenges and issues management situations.
- Keeping up to date with market and sector trends, as well as AI and emerging technologies in communications.
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
ASSUMPTION: The role may present unique challenges that require strong time management, prioritisation, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior account director roles in the industry, this position offers a broader leadership role with a balance of hands-on client delivery and strategic oversight.
- FleishmanHillard’s global presence and diverse client portfolio provide unique opportunities for career growth and development.
- This role may require more frequent travel and on-site presence compared to other hybrid or remote positions.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other senior account director positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive thought leadership programme for a high-profile client, positioning them as a leading voice in their industry.
- Managing a complex reputational crisis for a multinational corporation, coordinating with global teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective issue resolution.
- Leading a cross-functional team to create and implement an integrated communications campaign for a major product launch, driving brand awareness and market share.
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on high-profile, complex projects that require strategic thinking, creativity, and strong project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role balance hands-on client delivery with strategic oversight and team development?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does FleishmanHillard support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does FleishmanHillard foster a culture of innovation and the use of AI in communications?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, as well as their understanding of the industry and the unique aspects of this position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the FleishmanHillard careers page.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to develop and execute strategic communications campaigns.
- Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and address any remaining questions.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
