Associate Director / Director, Strategy & Reputation, Energy & Sustainability (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

About this role

Associate Director / Director, Strategy & Reputation, Energy & Sustainability (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

About the Role

The Strategy & Reputation team works across the full breadth of corporate communications - from campaign strategy and issues management to corporate narrative, stakeholder engagement and sustainability communications. We deliver multi-channel, multi-stakeholder programmes for some of the world's leading companies, working fluidly with colleagues across public affairs, digital, crisis, financial communications and research.

Our Energy & Sustainability capability is one of the fastest-growing areas of the practice – advising leading philanthropic groups, coalitions, start-ups and major businesses.

We are seeking an Associate Director or Director to join our London team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering a period of parental leave. The successful candidate will be an energetic, delivery-focused S&R generalist - ideally with some energy or sustainability experience - who can integrate quickly into an active team, hold accounts confidently and bring a campaigner's mindset to their work.

The role also includes support for senior team members, and offers genuine exposure across a broad range of clients and issues.

Seniority level: Associate Director or Director (approximately 5-9 years' experience)

Contract type: 12-month fixed-term contract

Location: London

What You'll Do

• Client Delivery
• Manage / support a portfolio of client accounts on a day-to-day basis, working closely with senior and junior colleagues - including clients operating in energy, sustainability and regulated industries
• Development and delivery of communications strategies across a range of issue types - campaign planning, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement, and issues management
• Develop high-quality client materials - strategy documents, messaging frameworks, briefing notes, reactive lines, sustainability narratives and stakeholder communications
• Influence the conversations clients care about through the media, online and through partnerships with think tanks, influencers etc.
• Monitor and interpret the media, policy and regulatory environment for clients - particularly across the energy transition, net zero and sustainability agenda - flagging relevant developments and helping shape client responses
• Build and maintain strong media relationships across relevant beats, including energy, environment, business and policy, and proactively identify opportunities for clients
• Business Development
• Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, new business pitches and proposals, bringing sector knowledge and fresh thinking
• Build your network proactively - with media, intermediaries and potential clients - with an eye on longer-term business development
• Team and Culture
• Mentor and help develop more junior colleagues on a day-to-day basis
• Contribute to team culture - sharing ideas, insights and enthusiasm for the work
• Engage with team initiatives on diversity, inclusion and belonging
• What We're Looking For
• Essential
• Solid experience in a corporate communications or S&R consultancy environment, with confidence managing accounts and client relationships
• Strong generalist communications skills - able to move fluidly between corporate narrative, issues management, stakeholder engagement and campaign strategy
• Exposure to energy, climate or sustainability-related communications briefs - whether in agency, in-house or on specific campaign mandates
• A campaigner's mindset: experience developing and delivering communications campaigns across multiple channels and stakeholder groups
• Strong writing skills - clear, precise and adaptable across different formats and audiences, including on technical or policy-heavy subjects
• An ability to get up to speed quickly, work independently and integrate into an established team without a long runway
• Proactive approach to media - with developing relationships across relevant beats, including energy, environment and business, and an instinct for creating opportunities
• Preferred
• Familiarity with the policy and regulatory landscape around net zero, the energy transition or environmental reporting
• Experience supporting business development activity within a team
• Genuine curiosity about energy, sustainability and the policy environment surrounding the energy transition - and comfort engaging with complex, multi-stakeholder briefs in this space

About FGS Global

FGS Global is the strategic leadership advisory for a complex world. With expertise in strategic and financial communications, policy and public affairs, and data-driven digital engagement, we help leaders align and activate stakeholders, shape and safeguard reputations, and succeed in critical moments. Across 31 global offices, our partners draw on the full depth of the firm so clients can operate with clarity, act with confidence, and lead with trust.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (pro-rated for contract duration)
• Private medical insurance and life assurance
• Pension contributions
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rated)
• Access to firm-wide professional development programmes
• Professional Development

We are committed to the professional growth of everyone who joins us, including on fixed-term contracts. You will have access to structured learning opportunities and development support throughout your time with us.

• FGS Global is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.