Account Director (Public Affairs & Communications)

Job Title: Public Affairs and Communications Account Director

Working For: Hanbury Strategy

Location: Office in Bridge Street, Sydney (hybrid working)

To start: Immediately

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Account Director - Hanbury Strategy

Hanbury Strategy is seeking a driven and strategic Account Director with expertise in complex client account management. The successful candidate will have an appetite for developing knowledge, networks, and skills in a fast-paced and collaborative working environment.

You will shape strategic client priorities, deepen relationships, and contribute to Hanbury’s ongoing growth. As a key member of our high performing team, you will provide cutting-edge regulatory and political analysis and engagement advice to leading global companies across multiple sectors.

About Hanbury Strategy

Hanbury Strategy is a global government relations and strategic communications firm with 150 employees in Brussels, London, Sydney, and Washington, DC. Founded in 2016, Hanbury’s bipartisan team of experts use their understanding of policy, politics, and the media to create comprehensive advocacy and communications campaigns that meet clients’ objectives. Hanbury’s work is supported by best-in-class data and research by Hanbury’s sister company, Stack Data Strategy.

Hanbury’s Sydney office opened in early 2026 to bring its highly successful approach to client service to Australia and New Zealand, and is in active growth mode in support of Hanbury’s mission:

“To build a team of exceptional people, who go the extra mile to help companies with their biggest reputation, policy, and regulatory challenges.”

The ideal candidate profile

• A solid understanding of the Australian political and regulatory landscape and experience.

• Likely 3-5 years of professional experience working in government, politics, a regulator, consultancy, think tank, industry body or in-house public affairs roles.

• Dedication to producing high quality work and going the extra mile in a fast paced environment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate respectful debate and is not afraid to take risks.

• Track record of managing projects and teams in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment. Good organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Capable researcher and analyst, able to interpret complex subject matter at pace and turn into tailored, succinct insights.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice to stakeholders, both in written and verbal forms.

• A driven self-starter who works well independently but equally eager to be part of a dynamic team.

• Contributes to a positive working environment and enjoys working with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and opinions.

Roles and responsibilities

Day-to-day account deliverables

• Identify engagement opportunities for clients.

• Map and analyse policy risks and opportunities.

• Strengthen and deepen networks.

• Advise clients on public affairs strategies.
  

Client management

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact for day-to-day account management.

• Help shape client account strategic direction alongside senior colleagues.

• Oversee quality control across all outputs.

• Contribute to Hanbury’s house view on relevant policy developments.

• Provide strategic regulatory and political analysis, engagement advice.

Business development

• Build and maintain a strong external network of contacts and prospects.

• Support the development of business development proposals and pitches.

• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.

• Produce original written content, including policy papers, published blogs, research. reports and marketing material.

Leadership and development

• Line manage and mentor junior team members.

• Delegate effectively and support team development.

• Lead by example in work quality, collaboration, and professionalism.

• Contribute to internal training and knowledge sharing.

Culture

• Account Directors support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and act as an advocate and ambassador for Hanbury both internally and externally.

Benefits offered

• You will be eligible for the 2027 discretionary performance-related bonus scheme

• Working hours are 9-6 with one hour for lunch.

• Hanbury is a global company, and you will sometimes be required to join calls outside of Australian working hours.

• Holiday allowance is 20 days + 4 pro rata (plus all Australian Bank Holidays)

• Pension plan 12% superannuation guarantee

• Offices in Sydney

• Hybrid working set-up based on employee choice

• ‘Work from Abroad’ for up to 20 days a year

• A rich and diverse training and development programme, including internal training sessions and a programme of external trainers and inspirational speakers.

To apply, please send us your CV and a covering letter which answers this:

“At Hanbury we go the extra mile. We hire people with drive and ambition who want to be the best they can be. Outline in your cover letter why you want to join Hanbury and how you demonstrate these values.”

Hanbury Strategy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities, we are open to discussions about alternative working patterns or hours.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during recruitment or in employment for reasons associated with your physical or mental health. We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to fully participate in whatever way is most appropriate for them.