Associate Client Director

Job description

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Parental Leave Contract - ideal start January 2027 About Edelman Edelman is a global communications firm built on the belief that earned attention drives real impact. We help some of the world’s most ambitious brands earn trust, relevance and connection through ideas that live at the intersection of culture, media and technology. In Australia, we bring together strategists, creatives, media specialists and storytellers to solve complex communications challenges and deliver integrated work that earns attention and drives action. Role Overview We’re looking for an experienced Associate Client Director to join Edelman Australia on a parental leave contract, with a particular focus on leading some of our technology clients. As an Associate Client Director, you’ll be a senior client leader responsible for the direction and success of a portfolio of clients, with a strong focus on the technology sector. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, bringing strategic thinking, strong communications instincts and an understanding of the issues, opportunities and conversations shaping technology brands today. This is a role for someone who can see both the big picture and what it takes to deliver it. You’ll shape integrated communications strategies, lead teams to deliver high-quality work, identify opportunities to grow client relationships and bring together the right capabilities from across Edelman to solve client challenges. You’ll also play an important leadership role within the agency - developing talent, contributing to new business and helping create the conditions for teams to do their best work. What You’ll Do Lead Clients with Confidence Act as a trusted senior advisor across a portfolio of technology clients Build strong relationships with senior client stakeholders locally, regionally and globally Provide clear, strategic and channel-neutral communications counsel Lead client meetings and navigate complex conversations with confidence Develop a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, industries and communications challenges Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships and deliver greater impact for clients Shape Integrated Communications Lead the development of integrated communications strategies and programs Bring strong earned media instincts and an understanding of the Australian media landscape Translate complex technology, business and corporate stories into compelling narratives Bring together specialists from across earned, social, creative, strategy and other disciplines to deliver the best of Edelman Connect local client needs with Edelman’s regional and global capabilities Ensure work is insight-led, strategically strong and delivers against client objectives Deliver Excellent Work Set the standard for quality across your accounts, from strategy through to execution Lead teams to deliver high-quality work on time, within scope and within budget Provide clear direction and create an environment where teams can move quickly and confidently Anticipate challenges and solve problems before they become problems Maintain strong relationships with relevant Australian media and help teams build their own networks Drive Client Growth Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships through new ideas, capabilities and integrated solutions Understand Edelman’s broader products, IP and specialist capabilities and know when to bring them into client conversations Contribute to new business opportunities, pitches and proposals Partner with senior leaders to help grow Edelman’s technology portfolio and broader integrated offering Lead Commercially Take ownership of the commercial health of your client portfolio Manage scopes, budgets, forecasts and staffing plans with discipline Ensure teams are structured appropriately to deliver excellent work efficiently Identify scope changes early and have confident conversations with clients about priorities, budgets and resourcing Balance outstanding client service with the commercial needs of the business Lead Teams & Collaboration Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary account teams Give teams clarity, direction and the confidence to take ownership Coach and develop talent through regular feedback and learning opportunities Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing team culture Work seamlessly with colleagues across disciplines, sectors and markets Be a positive role model for Edelman’s values and behaviours What You Bring 8+ years’ experience in communications, PR, integrated marketing or a related field Strong experience working with technology brands and/or technology-focused communications Proven experience leading complex client relationships and providing senior strategic counsel Strong understanding of earned media and the Australian media landscape Experience developing and delivering integrated communications strategies and campaigns Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills Confidence presenting and selling ideas, strategies and solutions Strong commercial judgement and experience managing client budgets and scopes Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate competing priorities High emotional intelligence, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style Curiosity about technology, culture, business and the forces shaping how brands build trust Why This Role is Different You’ll work with ambitious technology brands navigating some of the most interesting conversations shaping business and society You’ll have the opportunity to lead integrated work that goes well beyond traditional PR You’ll advise senior clients while remaining close to the ideas and work You’ll have access to Edelman’s global network, specialist expertise, research and IP You’ll lead talented, multidisciplinary teams and help shape work that earns attention and builds trust You’ll join a collaborative Australian team that believes the best work happens when we’re in it together - bringing different perspectives and capabilities around a shared client challenge Edelman is committed to creating equality and diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, nationality, disability, gender or age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Edelman is committed to creating equality and diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, nationality, disability gender or age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.