‍The Organisation

Our client is an independent strategic communications consultancy with an international footprint and a strong reputation for delivering high-impact, insight-led work. They advise high-profile organisations and senior leaders across complex, regulated sectors.

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The firm combines the agility of a boutique with the capability to deliver integrated communications, public affairs, and reputation management programmes at scale. Their culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and grounded in delivering measurable commercial outcomes.

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The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role within a growing healthcare and life sciences practice, with a particular emphasis on biotech.

The Director will lead strategic communications programmes for clients operating at the forefront of scientific innovation, while also playing a key role in expanding the practice through new business development. The role requires strong engagement with tier 1 media and the ability to provide senior counsel on high-stakes reputational and regulatory issues.

You must have agency experience for this role.

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Main Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee strategic corporate communications programmes for healthcare and life sciences clients, with a strong focus on biotech
• Provide senior counsel on reputation, positioning, issues management, and crisis preparedness in complex, regulated environments
• Build and maintain relationships with tier 1 media, securing high-impact coverage and shaping narratives
• Develop trusted, long-term client relationships at senior level, acting as a key strategic advisor
• Drive new business activity, including identifying opportunities, leading pitches, and converting prospects
• Collaborate with public affairs specialists to advise on policy, regulatory, and political engagement
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and ambitious culture
• Contribute to the growth and strategic direction of the healthcare practice

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Skills & Experience

• Must have agency experience
• Significant experience in healthcare communications, with strong exposure to biotech
• Demonstrable track record of working with tier 1 media and delivering impactful media strategies
• Proven ability to generate and convert new business opportunities
• Deep understanding of the regulatory, scientific, and reputational landscape in life sciences
• Experience advising senior stakeholders in complex or sensitive situations
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams
• Commercially minded, with the ability to grow client accounts and contribute to practice expansion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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To apply, please submit your CV via the link.

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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