Associate Director

About the role

Milltown Partners advises technology companies driving change, global investors funding the future, the giants of sport and entertainment, and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations. The firm's work spans corporate and financial communications, policy and public affairs to engage regulators and policymakers, policy communications and leadership communications, underpinned by research-driven insights and campaigns. Milltown is also pioneering AI-enhanced advisory work for both clients and internal innovation, using technology to unlock insights from data at unprecedented scale and speed.

Associate Directors are experienced communications leaders who combine real advisory authority with a genuine appetite to keep developing – working alongside senior leaders to deliver exceptional client work and grow their own leadership capabilities. The role spans AI companies defining responsible innovation, investors backing the next generation of technology, sports franchises building global audiences, and leaders whose decisions shape industries. The clients are category-defining, the challenges complex, and the standards uncompromising.

This is a hands-on role. You'll lead client relationships, shape strategic direction, and ensure the work your teams deliver consistently meets the highest standards. You'll advise clients directly and play an active part in delivering work alongside your teams, not just directing from a distance. Beyond client delivery, you'll build your external network, contribute to new business opportunities, and support the development of colleagues at earlier stages of their careers.

Responsibilities

• Lead client work: Take strategic responsibility for clients’ most important communications challenges, whether creating foundational narratives, preparing for major announcements, or protecting reputation when stakes are highest. Build the trust that lets you deliver genuinely impactful advice, drawing on the full resources of the firm to help clients build and defend their reputations.
• Drive teams and develop colleagues: Structure work clearly, delegate effectively, and hold yourself and others to high standards. Coach colleagues on your teams, sharing your experience in ways that help them develop their own advisory instincts. Work alongside peers to lead and inspire colleagues across the US team, fostering a culture where exceptional advice, continuous learning and collaboration are the norm.
• Contribute to AI-enhanced advisory: Help drive how the firm uses AI to transform the quality and precision of its work. Guide colleagues in developing AI capabilities, document and share best practice across the firm, and push the boundaries of what's possible in advisory work through technology.
• Support business development: Identify and contribute to converting new opportunities and extending existing client relationships. Cultivate an external network that's useful to clients and the firm, and bring an entrepreneurial mindset to growth – whether identifying new ways to help existing clients or contributing to pitches and proposals.
• Shape our culture: Give and receive regular feedback at all levels, demonstrate allyship to colleagues, actively seek input from others, and support the wellbeing of everyone on the team. Contribute to a culture where brilliance, restlessness, comradeship, inclusivity and integrity aren't just values – they're how we operate every day.

Requirements

Essential:

• Around 8+ years of corporate communications experience in consultancy or in-house roles, including time working with technology companies and/or investors
• Demonstrable ability to take a strategic approach to reputation challenges, rooted in research, data, and insight
• Experience building advisory relationships with senior stakeholders and delivering strategic counsel in high-pressure situations
• Experience taking an integrated approach to communications campaigns, engaging with a range of audiences and channels
• Track record of developing media strategies and maintaining an active network of media contacts
• Experience managing and developing others through coaching and feedback
• Existing network within technology, policy, media or investor communities
• Strong grasp of AI tools and their application in advisory work, with ability to drive adoption across teams
• Intellectual curiosity to develop expertise in new areas and an entrepreneurial approach to building networks
• Commitment to seeking feedback and contributing to an inclusive culture
• Excellent command of written and verbal English

Desirable:

• Experience advising on emerging technology challenges
• Experience working within scaling teams

Benefits

• Competitive, transparent pay with open salary bands, plus twice-yearly bonuses
• 401(k) with company match, eligible from day one
• Robust healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus dedicated mental health support
• 26 days PTO, 10 sick days, and 10 public holidays
• Two-week company-wide winter break
• Paid parental leave
• Sabbatical leave
• $100/month commuter benefit
• Structured career development with clear progression pathways and a defined career framework

Schedule

Hybrid working model with three days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).