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WA Communications is recruiting for an Associate Director to join its growing Investor Services practice. This role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced public affairs, research or policy professional with keen commercial instincts looking for a new challenge.

WA is a top five public affairs and corporate communications consultancy based in Westminster, working UK-wide. We are independently owned, meaning we focus on client, not shareholder, returns.

Our Investor Services practice specialises in political due diligence and risk analysis for private equity and other institutional investors. We have established a reputation for swift, detailed and insightful policy analysis, with specialisms in healthcare, education and infrastructure among a range of other areas.

Our ongoing expansion means that we are looking for an exceptional Associate Director to help lead the team and play a pivotal role in supporting our continued evolution.

As an Associate Director you will have management responsibilities for the production and delivery of in-depth, robust policy analysis reports and detailed advice to senior investors. You will help secure new business opportunities by supporting the development of our investor services offering into new jurisdictions and help develop a broader suite of investor focused services. You will be supported by an outstanding team and be able to draw on the knowledge, skills and expertise of specialist consultants from across WA.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

  • A detailed understanding of the UK’s political, regulatory, and policy-making process;
  • Exemplary research skills and a proven track record in the management and delivery of research projects, using an evidence-based approach;
  • A focus on depth, rigour, and quality assurance on multiple projects, testing analysis and editing content as appropriate;
  • A commitment to service innovation and improvement;
  • A proven ability to manage and motivate junior researchers, providing guidance, support, and advice;
  • Sophisticated ability to assess the impact on a business of changes in policy factors, and in politics;
  • Priority management, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail are key to the success of this role;
  • Bring a high level of energy to the team and a real passion in wanting to make a difference;
  • Show high levels of integrity and focus on highest quality standards and service delivery;
  • Ability to work swiftly and accurately to short timescales;
  • An interest in generating new business, and natural business acumen.

JOB ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Effectively planning and delegating work on multiple consecutive projects and ensuring delivery against deadlines and budget;
  • Leading on the verbal presentation of analysis and conclusions from research work to investors, responding to follow-up questions and requests for additional clarity on research points;
  • Work with the Head of Investor Services practice to convert client scopes into succinct and deliverable research briefs;
  • Conducting high-quality research for Policy Risk Analysis reports, using qualitative and quantitative research methods;
  • Conduct quality assurance across multiple research projects, including stress testing analysis and conclusions, with final editorial and quality control responsibilities;
  • Managing research team to support new business lead generation amongst existing clients and in support of wider service offer and practice growth (international and pan-European offer, large cap investors);
  • Supporting the development of junior colleagues, including providing timely and constructive feedback;
  • Identifying and following up on new business opportunities;
  • Reviewing and advising on improvements to WA’s approach to research for investor services clients;
  • Managing the delivery of insightful, targeted marketing initiatives (including research reports and associated events) by the Investor Services team.

Closing date

Applications for this post closed 11:59pm on Tuesday 11th October 2022