Public Affairs Account Director

**About the role**

Grayling Brussels is looking for an experienced EU public affairs professional to join its fast-paced advocacy team. This hire will have the responsibility of managing a portfolio of sustainability (environment & energy related) clients, whilst also supporting the development of Grayling Brussels Environment and energy practices.

We're looking for someone who has experience working in the relevant sectors, preferably with solid consultancy experience, a strong entrepreneurial drive and commercial acumen, a proven track record of winning new business (or members in case of a trade association), a deep understanding of the relevant EU policies and policy formulation processes, and is highly versatile to work across and provide high-quality advice in different policy areas. Knowledge of and expertise in related policy areas such as transport, chemicals or ICT is a plus.

For the right person, this will be an exciting role, with the opportunity to manage interesting accounts and build a market-leading offer that provides valued strategic advice and insight to clients.

**Key **responsibilities**

The Account Director will provide support to the Director of Environment, Energy and Transport in advising Grayling's existing sustainability clients, in the overall management of key client accounts and junior team members, while being tasked with the development a credible FMCG / environment/energy offering that will complement the strong offering of Grayling office in these sectors. There will also be an expectation to lead on new business activity including identification of business opportunities, lead generation and development, and pitching.

**Other day-to-day responsibilities include**:
**Client handling**:

- Provide timely and relevant support in advising key clients and prospective clients, informed by sector knowledge and broad intelligence-gathering on policy developments
- Develop close client relationships and take full responsibility for his portfolio of clients related to the execution of advocacy and communication campaigns.
- Oversee and lead all contact programmes, and represent clients with stakeholders
- Conduct client or topic-specific environmental analyses and write bespoke briefings, including strategic advice on action
- Lead client meetings and internal account management meetings supporting the Director in reviewing progress, monitoring capacity and allocating tasks
- Responsibility for managing budgets related to the portfolio of clients

**Management and New Business**
- Work closely with the Director of EET and the Managing Director to continue building a competitive, best-of-class European environment/ energy policy team and offer;
- Coaching of junior colleagues and supporting the Director and MD in identifying and recruiting the best talent
- Project-manage new business activity, including preparation of credentials, proposals and pitches
- Demonstrate an active new business network that can provide significant opportunities for Grayling
- Support the Director of Environment, Energy and Trade in the implementation of the marketing strategy for the environmental/ energy policy practice, working closely with the Grayling Brussels MD
- Together with the EET Director, develop and implement a business plan for the development of a competitive Environment and Energy offer in Brussels and beyond, also identifying potential opportunities for other Grayling businesses
- Contribute with articles to the Grayling website and other relevant media
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell services between Grayling teams and offices across the network

**About you**

We are looking for an experienced professional with the following skills/ assets:

- Thorough understanding of relevant industry sectors and EU policies
- In-depth knowledge of EU environment and energy policies and thorough understanding of the business impact those can have on clients
- Strong entrepreneurial drive and business acumen
- Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines, strong organisational and project management skills
- Ability to take initiative and autonomy in carrying out tasks
- Strong creative writing skills
- Good presentation skills
- Recognised ability to bring creative flair and ideas to new business proposals
- Ability to operate effectively and collaboratively as part of a team
- Excellent verbal communication
- A strong contact network among relevant policymakers and potential clients
- Previous experience working in a public affairs consultancy, as well as possibly in-house at a relevant company or in a trade association.

**What 's in it for you at Grayling?**

Grayling is a fast growing Public Affairs and Communications firm supporting well known industries and brands engage with stakeholders and the European Institutions.

You will be part of an international team, working across the largest network of owned PA consultancies in Europe.

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