Associate Director

  • Breath HR
  • Aug 09, 2025
Full time Executive

Job Description

We are proud to be one of the UK's fastest-growing independent communications consultancies. And we have big ambitions - to grow in scale, increase the breadth and depth of our expertise, expand into new geographies, and push the boundaries in delivering industry-defining work.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Associate Director to join our team and help shape the future of communications for some of the world's most innovative technology brands.

Our 70+ consultants work as one multi-disciplinary team, united behind a single P&L to offer our clients the very best channel-agnostic communications advice. This role will focus on delivering strategic, high-impact campaigns across sectors, with experience weighted towards technology and/or fintech. You'll provide insight-driven counsel, craft compelling narratives, and help clients navigate complex reputational landscapes.

As an experienced PR professional, you'll bring deep experience in technology and financial services communications, a proven record of planning and executing integrated campaigns, and a natural ability to lead clients and teams with confidence.

Your Responsibilities

  • Act as a senior client lead, offering strategic counsel, demonstrating sound judgement and ability to clearly communicate ideas to decision makers.
  • Shape and execute integrated campaigns that deliver meaningful results reaching target audiences across earned, owned and paid channels.
  • Drive top-tier media coverage across national, business, tech and fintech press, using your strong journalist relationships and sharp editorial instincts.
  • Lead account teams to ensure excellence in delivery, including planning, content development, media relations, reporting and measurement.
  • Cultivate and grow trusted relationships with C-suite stakeholders and relevant in-house teams, providing insight-led advice on brand visibility, industry positioning, and thought leadership.
  • Contribute to organic growth within existing accounts and play a visible role in new business activity including proposals, pitches and prospecting.
  • Mentor and coach junior team members, supporting development and helping foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
  • Champion industry best practice, including the use of AI and digital tools for campaign planning, execution and evaluation.
  • Represent the agency externally - at industry events, through content, or via your own thought leadership profile.
You Will Have

  • 7+ years' experience in communications, with a strong agency background and proven expertise in the technology and/or fintech sectors.
  • Experience managing complex accounts and high-performing teams in a fast-paced agency setting.
  • Confidence advising and asking the right questions of senior clients.
  • A track record of securing high-quality media coverage in top-tier national and trade publications.
  • Excellent writing and storytelling skills - from sharp reactive commentary to detailed thought leadership.
  • Strong understanding of the media and analysts, especially those focused on covering technology, fintech and the financial landscape.
  • Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and contribute to a growing, values-led team.
  • Experience using digital tools, data and analytics to inform, execute and measure communications activity.
About Hawthorn

We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we've delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, ION, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK.

We're small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most complex and high-stakes briefs. Our dynamic deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour-driven solutions. We're ambitious, for ourselves and for our clients, and we're growing every day.

We believe in empowering our people with autonomy, supporting innovation, and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we're committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can thrive.

• We offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and lifestyle:
• Pension, Salary Exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance
• Cycle-to-work and tech schemes
• Flexible working options, both location and hours
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave in your first year, increasing to 26 thereafter, plus parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave
• Annual charity day to support causes close to your heart
• Continuous learning and development culture
• Wellbeing support including EAP, mental health first aiders, Peppy menopause app, and robust sick leave provision
• Office perks like breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks
• A vibrant social calendar, including sports, culture, and charity events, and standout summer and Christmas parties