Job Description
This role can be based in either our Milan or Rome office.
The Associate Director is a strategic account leader responsible for managing and growing client relationships. This role focuses on leading integrated corporate communications activities and multistakeholder and advocacy campaigns including media relations, press office, stakeholder engagement, executive media positioning, crisis comms management and the creation and execution of communication plans for clients and prospects. The Associate Director supervises project teams, ensures project excellence, and drives both organic and new business growth.
The role provides exposure to a wide range of high-profile Italian projects and international clients, with the chance to collaborate across global teams and it offers the opportunity to be part of a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
APCO is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional development and which offers structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression.
Responsibilities
* Independently lead client relationships effectively.
* Actively network to identify new business prospects, manage proposal process ensuring quality of thinking, APCO’s work standards, and accurate scoping of work.
* Establish a strong network across APCO and engage in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and business opportunities.
* Confidently lead internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and strategic vision; establishing credibility by insights shared; encouraging and motivating others to communicate ideas.
* Serve as the principal client contact for clients, knowing when to leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization.
* Demonstrate an understanding of effective project management, can effectively address issues, and make changes as necessary to improve account performance.
* Take ownership and actively engage in team member development; demonstrating thoughtful planning to increase individual skill sets by setting smart objectives.
* Consistently demonstrate APCO’s values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors and clients.
Qualifications
* At least 9 years in strategic communications and advocacy campaigns including leading successful teams.
* Ability to work effectively with local (Italian) teams and international colleagues with a fluent level of English.
* Proven knowledge of the Italian media landscape and relationships with Italian journalists.
* Expertise in crisis management.
* Exceptional presentation, writing and analytical skills, and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines.
* Solid project management experience, including overseeing a team and multiple deliverables, providing clear and concise feedback to maintain high standards.
* Demonstrated success formulating and leading strategic engagements with external stakeholders.
* Proven track record in developing and leading new business generation initiatives and driving successful organic growth.
What We Offer
* A collaborative and international work environment, where you will engage with colleagues from around the globe.
* The opportunity to work on a diverse range of clients and projects.
* Robust professional development opportunities, including structured training programs and continuous learning initiatives.
* A well-rounded benefits package, meal vouchers and health insurance. We place astrong emphasis on flexibility, offering working arrangements that genuinely support individual needs and work–life balance.
* An extended parental leave policy available to all employees from day one.
* A range of performance and recognition incentives, including an employee referral bonus, annual performance bonus, and anniversary bonus.
* A paid volunteering day each year through our APCO Gives Back initiative, allowing you to contribute to causes that matter to you.
* Access to our industry-leading global exchange program, offering international exposure and cross-cultural collaboration.
* Access to cutting-edge AI solutions and platforms, including proprietary tools, allowing you to position yourself at the forefront of the evolving communication industry.
Careers at APCO
Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
About APCO
APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.
Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.
APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.
APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.
By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.