Director, Litigation and Crisis Comms
Salary £ Competitive
London
Vacancy listed 20/03/2026
Application deadline 30/04/2026
Details
About Hawthorn

We are an independent and agile strategic communications consultancy. For over 10 years, we’ve delivered exceptional work for individuals and organisations worldwide, from Forbes, Maybourne Hotels and Kering, to DAZN, Aegon, and News UK.

We’re small enough to give clients our full attention, yet big enough to handle the most ambitious and high-stakes briefs. Our dynamic and deeply connected team works across corporate communications, crisis management, and public affairs.

Our structure enables us to deliver fully integrated, data and behaviour-driven campaigns, regularly working with blended client teams spanning comms, marketing, sales and the most senior decision-makers and strategists. We’re committed to creating a team atmosphere fuelled by learning, unafraid to take new paths and ask hard questions, while always putting the commercial objectives of our clients first. 

No templated thinking, no assumptions, just smart, expansive thinking and creative solutions that make an impact.

We believe in empowering our people with freedom and autonomy, supporting innovation and providing tailored growth opportunities and having fun along the way. Diversity of thought and background fuels our creativity and collaboration, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, connected culture where everyone can belong and thrive.

At Hawthorn, our focus is on creating exceptional outcomes for clients by fostering a culture where our people can thrive. We provide the trust, resources, and flexibility they need to innovate and deliver excellence. If you’re seeking a dynamic environment that values creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit; offers diverse and challenging opportunities; fosters continuous learning; and encourages collaboration among big thinkers, then Hawthorn is the place for you.

Our Values

·       Creative: You are an innovative thinker who brings originality and flair to every challenge.

·       Ambitious: You are driven and passionate, with an unwavering commitment to achieving both your personal goals and the company’s objectives.

·       Entrepreneurial: You are a proactive self-starter, always looking to build networks and capitalize on new opportunities.

·       Collaborative: You are a dedicated team player who supports colleagues, builds strong partnerships, and is committed to helping others succeed while delivering impactful results.

·       Connected: You excel at forging and maintaining strong relationships, ensuring that ideas and opportunities flow smoothly within the team and with clients.


Key Responsibilities

·       Lead and manage client accounts, ensuring high-quality work and client satisfaction.

·       Develop, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, providing feedback and addressing performance issues in partnership with the Partners and Senior Directors.

·       Collaborate across disciplines to enhance business outcomes and promote a culture of partnership and collaboration.

·       Play an active role in supporting organisational initiatives, training, and the development of team members.

·       Establish and maintain trusted relationships with clients, providing strategic advice and managing complex issues.

·       Lead client presentations, new business pitches, and drive organic growth through cross-selling opportunities.

·       Proactively identify and resolve client challenges, ensuring ongoing satisfaction and retention.

·       Develop and execute strategic communication campaigns, leveraging a strong understanding of the media landscape.

·       Cultivate and maintain a network of media and political contacts, managing inquiries and emerging issues.

·       Offer informed advice on media trends and digital strategies to clients.

·       Lead business development initiatives, including new business workstreams, fee negotiations, and marketing efforts.

·       Ensure efficiency in account practices, incorporating AI tools and other technologies to enhance service delivery.

·       Drive visibility for the organisation at industry events and maintain a portfolio of external contacts.

·       Encourage continuous learning and development within the team, sharing insights, and leading brainstorming sessions.

·       Actively support the Management Board and participate in committees or working groups.

·       Support diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring equitable treatment and a positive work environment.

·       Responsible for accurately completing weekly timesheets in Float to support project tracking, efficiency, and client servicing.

Candidate specification

·       Candidate must have experience in litigation and crisis communications with an innate understanding of the media landscape.

·       Strong leadership skills. An inspiring person to work with, clearly showing a collaborative approach to account management and showing an ability to think creatively.

·       Strategic advisor to clients with a deep understanding of their industries and markets.

·       Wide-ranging experience of supporting responses to issues and crisis management and advising clients.

·       Adept at handling sensitive media relations issues.

·       Strong relationships with media and broader stakeholder contacts.

·       Proficient in business development, client retention, and operational efficiency.

·       Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries that fully reflect your skills and experience, and benefits that support your mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, including:
• Benefits including pension, salary exchange, nursery salary sacrifice scheme, medical and life insurance, plus cycle to work and technology schemes.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Time-off including annual, parental, sabbatical, and volunteering leave.
• 25 days annual leave in year one, 26 days thereafter.
• Annual charity day where an employee can volunteer their time to a chosen charity of their choice
• A continuous learning culture to support your growth and tailored training opportunities.
• Proactive wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), sick leave provision, and mental health first-aiders,
• Office perks including breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks
• A packed social calendar which includes sports and cultural activities, charity bike rides, plus not-to-be missed summer and Christmas parties each year.

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