Project 09 Communications
Director, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
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Project 09 Communications
Project 09 is a boutique strategic communications and public affairs agency advising international clients in areas that drive business outcomes and shape reputations.
Our four core focus areas are reputation management, special situations, crisis readiness and response, and leadership advisory. Our partners bring international expertise across media engagement, public affairs, internal communications, brand strategy and digital - drawn from senior in-house positions as well as large financial communications agencies.
Our clients span a range of sectors, including heavy industry, manufacturing, energy, commodities, transportation, financial services, charities, family offices, and the arts. This breadth of experience allows us to apply specific sector knowledge while bringing lessons from other domains.
We pride ourselves on being a lean, nimble, and experienced team that provides high-contact senior counsel to our clients. We believe a collaborative and supportive environment drives the high standards we deliver in our work.
About the role
We’re looking for a highly motivated individual that can join our team and support the next phase of our growth.
The right candidate will have around 5-7 years’ experience working in an agency environment, or an equivalent in-house role that has enabled relevant network development. The ideal candidate will have a blend of strategic communications and public affairs experience, strong digital skills, and be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and business growth. Experience in financial communications would be an advantage.
We offer real flexibility and the autonomy to manage your own time and priorities under senior direction. This is a genuine opportunity to be part of a senior team from day one - developing your professional skills while playing a meaningful role in growing a business.
You will get full support from our Partners and the opportunities you need to develop and progress. In return we expect you to bring drive, passion, discipline, and a results-oriented mindset.
The Role & Responsibilities
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You'll work closely with Project 09's Partners, supporting client work, conducting research, developing networks, and new business opportunities.
Client Delivery
- Act as a trusted day-to-day counsel to a portfolio of clients, working closely with Partners on strategic communications and public affairs programmes.
- Draft high-quality client-facing materials, including strategic counsel notes, media materials, internal communications, briefing documents, and stakeholder mapping.
- Support delivery of sector-specific projects across heavy industry, manufacturing, energy, commodities, transportation, financial services, and related sectors.
- Build strong, senior-level relationships directly with clients, acting as a credible point of contact in your own right, not solely in support of Partners.
Business Development
- Take a lead role in identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities, working closely with the Partners to grow Project 09's client base.
- Build and maintain a personal network across target sectors, including corporate contacts, advisers, and other intermediaries relevant to Project 09's specialisms.
- Develop pitch materials, credentials documents, and case studies that position Project 09 effectively for prospective clients.
- Track market developments and sector trends to identify emerging opportunities.
- Represent Project 09 at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise the firm's profile and generate leads.
Content & Promotion
- Develop thought leadership content, including articles, reports, and commentary that showcase Project 09's expertise and support both client work and the firm's own profile-building.
- Support the development and execution of Project 09's own communications and marketing activity, ensuring consistency with the firm's positioning and voice.
- Draft and refine written materials to a high standard, suitable for senior client and stakeholder audiences.
Leadership & Coordination
- Play an active role in shaping the growth and direction of the business, working as part of a small senior team from day one.
- Support the coordination of client projects and internal workflows, ensuring quality and consistency across deliverables.
- Support with the coordination and management of Project 09’s international partner network.
- Contribute to internal planning, including strategic priorities, resourcing, and business development pipeline management.
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What you'll need to succeed
- 5–7 years of communications or public affairs experience, ideally gained in an agency environment or an equivalent in-house role that has enabled strong network development.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach, with a genuine desire to work in a fast-paced environment, and to deliver results.
- A proven track record of developing senior media and/or policy relationships, including with commentators, journalists, spokespeople, and sector influencers.
- Strong experience in one or more of our core sectors - heavy industry, manufacturing, energy, commodities, transportation, financial services, charities, and the arts - or a distinct area of expertise you could bring to our work.
- A commercially minded, growth-orientated, and client-focused approach, with real drive, passion, discipline, and a results-oriented mindset.
- Comfort working both within a small, senior team and independently, with the autonomy to manage your own time and priorities under senior direction.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver work to a high standard, backed by excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously across different geographies and time zones.
- A strong understanding of UK media, politics, and corporate affairs, alongside a keen interest in trends in communications and consulting.
- Strong digital skills, including working knowledge of AI tools and capabilities.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Flexible working, combining in-office collaboration with the flexibility to work remotely
- 25 days holiday
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