Associate Director (Corporate Public Affairs)

Who we are:

Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com 

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

As an Associate Director within Burson’s Corporate & Public Affairs practice, you will be instrumental in delivering exceptional client service and strategic counsel, driving impactful results for our diverse portfolio of clients. You will play a lead role serving clients, adeptly managing complex corporate and public affairs initiatives while actively guiding and mentoring junior team members. A key aspect of your contribution will involve cultivating robust client relationships and identifying opportunities for business development. You will possess a keen interest in the intricacies of public and international affairs, alongside a proactive awareness of the evolving landscape, including the impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence on client strategy.

What you'll do:

• Cultivate and strategically guide client relationships, serving as a key point of contact, trusted counselor, and strategic advisor.


• Orchestrate and deliver high-impact corporate and public affairs strategies for a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely execution and fiscal responsibility.


• Lead, participate in and contribute to work across a range of corporate and public affairs disciplines including (not necessarily all): research and analysis; reputation strategy; risk communications; crisis and issues management; stakeholder engagement and coalition building; public diplomacy; corporate responsibility; financial communications; employee engagement; government and regulatory affairs; media relations; executive coaching and media training.


• Nurture relationships with prominent media and stakeholders and remain very well informed on global news and industry trends, including geopolitical shifts, sector-specific developments (e.g., finance, luxury, consumer etc.), and the strategic implications of AI.


• Develop media plans and thought leadership strategies that enhance the reputation of clients and increase their share of voice.


• Craft dynamic and engaging content tailored for earned, owned, and internal channels, encompassing press releases, articles, presentations, and other strategic communications materials.


• Actively contribute to business growth by supporting senior leaders to identify new business opportunities within existing and potential clients and help drive the new business process.


• Champion a first-class team culture by actively supporting senior team members in the development and growth of junior colleagues.


• Empower and mentor junior team members providing clear delegation, timely feedback, and defined expectations to foster their professional development and integration within Burson.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Interest in areas relevant to corporate and public affairs including but not limited to: history, culture, politics, international relations, economics, social issues, sustainability, regulatory developments, technology developments.


• Demonstrated ability to integrate emerging technologies, especially AI, into strategic communications and public affairs frameworks, or familiarity with the ethical, regulatory, and reputational implications of AI adoption.


• A relevant degree with 6-8 years of progressive experience in Corporate & Public Affairs or related fields.


• Proven ability to cultivate strong media relations across international, regional, business and finance sectors


• Demonstrated expertise in effectively managing and delivering strategic initiatives for regional or international accounts, navigating diverse market dynamics and complexities.


• Exceptional client relationship management skills, demonstrating a commitment to building long-term partnerships.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Cantonese is a must. Fluency in Mandarin is a significant advantage.


• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to delegate effectively, prioritize workloads, and meet demanding client deadlines.


• A proactive and collaborative team player who consistently demonstrates ownership and accountability.

*The job description is a summary of typical job functions and is not an exhaustive list of possible duties. The jobholder’s responsibilities and duties may differ from those outlined above. Other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job.

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