Associate Client Director, Public and Government Affairs

Edelman Australia is seeking a passionate corporate and public affairs communications professional to deliver advisory services to our roster of clients. This is a unique opportunity to take on a dual role in a newly developed offering, reporting to both the Head of Corporate and the company's Public and Government Affairs Lead, and intersecting with Edelman's regional corporate affairs portfolio. Our corporate and public affairs team offers clients depth of experience in policy & regulatory engagement, corporate reputation & issues, strategic communications and ESG & impact strategy. The Associate Client Director is expected to understand Edelman's consulting processes, crafts, products and global capabilities, demonstrate the value of these offerings to clients, and lead all aspects of planning and execution.

You will be commercially capable and team-oriented, ensuring quality delivery against client objectives and upholding Edelman values and behaviours. You will champion clients' business and communication objectives and develop genuine, specialist knowledge in your sector. It is critical that you are a confident, practised corporate advisor with strong client relationship development skills, capable of leading client meetings and managing day-to-day contact including c-suite and senior contacts and subject matter experts. With proven ability to influence and gain respect from clients, you will identify ways to grow and enhance client relationships and programs. Associate Client Directors are senior leaders who lead by example, participate in team and staff development, and represent Edelman Australia to the highest possible standard externally and internally.

• Corporate & Public Affairs Advisory
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies that influence positive reputation and favourable outcomes for our clients (incl. policy) among corporate and government stakeholders.
• Build relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry associations and other key stakeholders to influence public policy and regulatory environments.
• Take a leading role in managing crisis, issues and reputation programmes.
• Monitor business, economic, policy and regulatory developments, providing clients with insights and recommendations on navigating complex market landscapes.
• Be hands-on in helping to establish new operational procedures and processes, including finance, forecasting, reporting and administrative support tasks where required.
  • Excellence in Client Leadership
  • Develop and manage key client relationships, becoming a trusted partner with demonstrated revenue growth
  • Build specialist understanding of the client's business, sector and competitive landscape and lead in sharing insights across the team
  • Lead delivery of high-quality solutions within the agreed budget and timeframe
  • Maintain strong media relationships in the Australian market within subject-matter specific titles
    • Business Development
    • With support from Client Directors and the leadership team, help drive growth organically and through new business
    • Understand Edelman's IP, products and services, and identify key stakeholders and experts to involve in client conversations
    • Network among client groups and marcomms industry peers; represent Edelman at relevant industry events
    • Contribute to Edelman thought leadership and other internal and cultural initiatives
      • Talent & Leadership
      • Demonstrate exemplary team leadership and inspire your teams
      • Empower mid-level and junior team members to deliver the best possible client results and business growth
      • Be a positive role model for Edelman values and behaviours
      • Help attract and develop talent across all levels via mentoring, motivation, feedback and learning opportunities
      Skills & Attributes
      • 8+ years of relevant experience in public affairs and corporate communications with a strong understanding of media relations, public policy and government relations, capable of executing impactful campaigns in both areas
      • Strong communication and interpersonal skills – active listening and ability to read the room with clients and colleagues
      • Confidence in presenting and selling ideas, stories or solutions, and in providing strategic counsel to clients, including senior stakeholders
      • Problem solving and analytical skills to identify the right internal stakeholders for escalation
      • Commercial acumen and proficiency with budgets and financial management
      • Ability to manage competing interests with strong organisational and time management skills
      • Demonstrable team and line management experience
      • Ability to take on and learn from constructive feedback
      About Edelman Australia

At Edelman, we help solve our clients' biggest corporate or consumer brand challenges by building trusted brands and applying 25 years of research and understanding of Trust.

We believe action earns trust; it's through meaningful and relevant actions that we demonstrate a commitment to stakeholders that resonates and gives them reason to care and share.

The information revolution has made trust the most valuable commodity in business today.

We've established capabilities through people, tools, data and technology that protect, promote and evolve our client's brands in today's environment, both inside and outside their organizations.

We are a team of 65+ analysts, planners, strategists, advisors, creatives, producers, storytellers and more. Operating across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, we work with some of Australia's most consequential brands. We are Trusted to be Bold. This phrase underpins everything we do and is core to our network, our purpose and our people. Our values include The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, The Freedom to be Constantly Curious, The Courage to Do the Right Thing, and The Commitment to Positively Impact Society. Edelman is committed to creating equality and diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, disability, gender or age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.