About 56° North

56° North is an independent strategic communications and public policy consultancy.

Based in Edinburgh, London and Newcastle, we are run by partners who have led communications, public affairs and policy for the UK’s biggest companies, organisations and in government.

Operating across the UK as one team, our connections run deep and wide, in politics, media and business. We provide expert advice on clients’ communications, policy and political challenges, especially in regulated sectors – and partner with ambitious leaders to build powerful, integrated campaigns that help redefine their company’s impact, influence and profile.

The role

We’re looking for energetic and driven Associate Consultants to join our fantastic team – people with a keen interest in communications and marketing who enjoy rolling their sleeves up to deliver great work.

The core purpose of the Associate Consultant role is to support the delivery of outstanding work for our clients and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients from a variety of sectors, and across all aspects of our business including research, content creation, media and political monitoring, marketing and event management.

We are especially keen to hear from candidates in the early stages of their career with an interest in two specific areas:

• developing a career in public affairs and policy – especially (but not only!) in financial services
• working in communications and marketing, with a particular focus on helping build 56’s own profile and marketing, as well as supporting client work

Day-to-day responsibilities

Work collaboratively across the 56° North team to ensure the business delivers excellent client service – this will include supporting all aspects of client account management.

Work with Directors and Partners to prepare high-quality work for clients and new business development activity – including research, presentations, content creation for briefings and insights, press releases, media and political monitoring and other materials that support this activity.

Help to market and profile 56° North to clients, prospective clients and key stakeholders. Working closely with other team members, this will include supporting the delivery of our marketing plan across our website and social media channels.

Undertake a variety of different administrative and logistical tasks (including event management) to ensure efficient running of the business and its operations.

Skills and experience required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A keen interest in communications, business and current affairs
• Existing political and media networks and experience an advantage but not essential
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team on challenging and rewarding work
• A desire to develop personally and make a difference to our clients and our team

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary of £25,000 to £28,000 – dependent on experience
• Company pension scheme, with 5% matched employer contribution
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 33 days’ holiday a year with an additional ‘birthday day’
• Two weeks’ ‘work from anywhere in the world’ allowance
• Life cover
• Private medical insurance

The role can be based in any of our London, Newcastle or Edinburgh offices.

Our team is currently expected to work in the office a minimum of three days per week – including every Monday and Thursday.

Applications

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter to philippa.gerrard@56degreesnorth.co.uk by close of play on Friday 16 January 2026.