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VP (Associate Director) – Public Affairs

London, England, United Kingdom

Who is Weber Shandwick?

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity.

Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

We earn affection, attention, affinity, and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms spanning technology, entertainment & lifestyle, and energy. We are known for:

• Developing data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
• Creating impactful campaigns that tap into culture
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

What’s Happening?

Weber Shandwick is hiring for a talented VP (Associate Director level) to join our Public Affairs team in London. You’ll be part of a well-established team, where you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate across our outstanding corporate enterprise team, as well as with Weber Shandwick’s UK and international network; while being guided and supported by some of the PR industry’s leading corporate communications professionals.

The ideal candidate will be able to draw upon experiences bringing knowledge and insight into a range of sectors and industries, combined with excellent client servicing and public affairs skills.

You’ll also need a strong understanding of how politics and parliament work, how digital fits into wider integrated communications programmes, as well as brilliant technical writing skills, time management and a keen eye for detail when it comes to managing project progress.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage teams across a range of large, integrated, corporate client accounts in different sectors
• Research and analyse evolving policy, making recommendations to clients as required
• Overseeing the delivery of impactful political engagement programmes and stakeholder events
• Build trust and confidence with clients by consistently ensuring work is delivered on time and to an exceptional standard of quality
• Provide senior level counsel to clients, get involved in new business pitches and be a proactive team player
• Develop tactical plans and campaigns to meet client needs
• Work with specialist colleagues in the integrated media, corporate communications and strategy teams to deliver solutions for clients
• Participate in the creative development of campaigns for new and existing clients and supporting the team in researching and preparing new business opportunities

Who are you?

• Experienced account lead at an agency or with management experience in-house or in a political role
• With a passion for politics and public policy, you know how to make a strong case that will win the argument and have a track record of developing and delivering effective campaigns
• Unafraid to ask questions and to challenge clients’ and colleagues’ perspectives when necessary
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrable experience in politics and communications. Your experience combines stakeholder engagement and policy insight
• An excellent political network with exceptional knowledge and understanding of how government and parliament operate. 
• Able to digest complex information and understand how it relates to the political agenda
• A prolific consumer of political and business news, you’re on top of current affairs, allowing you to help clients anticipate issues and opportunities
• A proven track record in management people and projects successfully 
• Fluency in digital/social media platforms, with an appetite to learn more

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical illness insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Travel insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and discretionary festive closure
• Flexible public holidays
• Sweets and snacks in the office
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Headspace membership
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

Note from the Talent Team:

We appreciate the time take to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG DXTRA we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

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