Associate Director - Corporate Communications

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.

We are looking for an Associate Director, Corporate Communications to join our South Africa team.

The role

The Associate Director is a senior client lead who supports the stewardship of key client relationships while ensuring high‑quality delivery across integrated communications programmes. This role blends hands‑on execution with strategic counsel, commercial oversight and team leadership, and operates with a high degree of autonomy.

Working closely with Directors, the Associate Director helps drive strong client outcomes, smooth delivery and sustainable account growth.

What you can expect

• Serving as a trusted day‑to‑day client partner on complex, high‑profile accounts

• Leading integrated communications programmes across corporate, internal and external communications

• Supporting strategy development and translating client objectives into clear plans and briefs

• Managing account delivery, ensuring quality, consistency and deadlines are met

• Bringing structure to workflows and managing multiple stakeholders and workstreams

• Supporting budget management, forecasting and scope control in collaboration with Directors

• Identifying and contributing to organic growth opportunities within existing client relationships

• Supporting new business activity, including proposals and pitch work, as required

• Working closely with colleagues across practices and disciplines to deliver integrated solutions

• Leading, coaching and developing junior and mid‑level team members

What you bring

• Agency experience in communications, public relations or a related field

• Proven ability to manage client relationships and complex projects independently

• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills

• Experience leading and supporting junior team members

• A commercial mindset, with awareness of budgets, scope and account growth

• Strong organisational and self‑management skills

• Confidence managing multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment

• A collaborative, hands‑on and solutions‑focused approach to work

What we offer

• A hybrid working model with flexibility and trust

• Exposure to high‑profile clients and complex, meaningful work

• Opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary and international teams

• A supportive, inclusive and growth‑oriented culture

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.