Associate Director, London

Sovereign Strategy, a London and Brussels-based political strategy and public affairs consultancy, is seeking to appoint an Associate Director based at its London Office Headquarters. Candidates should have at least five year’s experience in a consultancy or working within the political domain or a relevant industry association or an interest group predominantly working in the field of financial services, fintech, data, technology, or a related field.

About Sovereign Strategy

Since its foundation in 2000, Sovereign Strategy has been using considerable hands-on experience and established networks to develop strategies that deliver the best outcomes for its client’s day-to-day operations and the development of their business. We offer a range of consultancy services globally, spanning across the field of financial services, digitalisation, health, health tech and development. Sovereign offers bespoke advice to governments across the G20 and to FTSE 100 businesses. With a strong presence in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, Sovereign Strategy’s experience, high-level global networks and reputation for delivery place them at the forefront of the public affairs industry. 

About the role

In the role of Associate Director, the candidate will be working with the Executive Management Team developing Sovereign’s digital and fintech portfolio aligned with trends in sustainable finance and ESG compliance. The candidate will lead on specific client accounts by also managing a team at Sovereign to deliver on client projects. The candidate will be expected to assist and support the strategic direction of Sovereign Strategy in its client management, business growth by representing the organisations mission and vision to external stakeholders. 

Sovereign Strategy will provide the successful candidate with training and development opportunities to encourage the successful candidate to develop their skills and professional profile. If you’re looking for a challenging career working in a vibrant environment with access to training and a global network policy-makers and experts, this could be the role for you.

Core Duties

• Strategic lead on client accounts from a UK policy perspective.
• Lead client accounts, oversee and coordinate the junior team at Sovereign to deliver to the client’s objectives.
• Provide advice to clients with regular policy updates on regulations and political developments in the United Kingdom with a specific focus on financial services and digitalization, data governance and ESG.
• Develop knowledge of key sustainability trends and how they impact client value chains and opportunities in client’s compliance with ESG standards.
• Lead on UK political events and engagement including through political party conferences as well as ad hoc programming of events.
• Provide regular analysis and debriefs to clients to guide the client’s positioning on relevant areas of policy.
• Build on and develop Sovereign’s expertise and high-level networks with UK policymakers and stakeholder groups for strategic counsel on client’s stakeholder management and engagement.
• Develop integrated PR & communication strategies to guide the execution of the client strategy.
• Identify new opportunities for the client in line with their objectives.
• Organise and advise clients on the creation and planning of campaigns, meetings, and conferences.
• Identify and progress new business development opportunities for Sovereign Strategy. 
• Represent Sovereign Strategy at external public engagements such as summits, events, high-level meetings, and receptions. Identify such events to raise Sovereign’s external profile.
• Accompany managers/clients on relevant client meetings and trips.

Must-Haves

• Education: Graduate Level in Politics, Financial Services, Economics, Law or a related field
• Experience: +5 years of professional experience in Policy, Public Affairs, Government Relations, Interest Groups or NGOs working in the field of data, technology and financial services. 
• Language Skills: Excellent spoken and written English and a fluency in another EU language is desired.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using and managing virtual conferencing systems. Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Applications, Social Media Tools like Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to deliver advice on clients’ positioning based on policy developments and identify engagement opportunities that contribute to clients short- and long-term objectives.
• Networking Skills: Proficiency in building and maintaining networks that are relevant to Sovereign’s client base.
• Organisational Skills: Organise, Assist or Manage relevant events and meetings for clients.
• Communications Skills: Excellent communication skills with stakeholders at all levels; high standard of written and oral communication skills.
• Social Skills: Ability to work constructively in a team, eagerness to grow and an ability to work on multiple projects and deliver work within tight deadlines. Show ability to manage client relations and track progress and communicate with management. Showcase ability to assist staff members and manage the team to deliver on client objectives.

Sovereign Strategy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Sovereign Strategy is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion which is reflected in all of our content and across all of our brands. Diversity at Sovereign Strategy is the foundation which reflects what we do. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

Salary: Competitive salary dependent on experience with excellent career development opportunities 

Job Type: 37.5 hrs a week (5 days a week)