Account 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:

Burson is seeking to hire an Account Director of Corporate & Public Affairs to be based in Washington DC. The Account Director will be dedicated to reputational campaigns across a wide spectrum of issues including climate/sustainability, safety, tourism and finance. Target audiences will include consumers, government officials (foreign and domestic), business stakeholders and corporate and policy media. This is a heavily client-facing role that requires experience leading teams and developing strong and broad client relationships. Destination client travel will be required within the Eastern Time zone.

This is an opportunity to become immersed in multifaceted campaigns playing a leading role in account growth, management and the execution of consumer and B2B corporate and public affairs communications.

What you'll do:

• Act as day-to-day client point of contact (both advisory and management) actively working to build strong relationships within the account.


• Develop and execute campaign strategies around partnerships, stakeholder and influencer engagement to build awareness and public education.


• Stay ahead of regulatory policies affecting issues around climate, sustainability, tourism and finance in order to identify challenges/opportunities for the client.


• Collaborate across multiple integrated workstreams, teams and geographies.


• Provide media relations strategic counsel and message/campaign development.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Experience working in an agency, management consulting or government policy environment is highly desired.


• Success in growing business organically and identifying new opportunities for the agency.


• Demonstrated campaign work on integrated reputation, public education and awareness, thought leadership and executive visibility campaigns.


• Track record of successful stakeholder engagement and message development to consumer, government and business audiences.


• Track record of managing cross-functional teams and growing junior practitioners.


• 7-10 years of experience in the public affairs and communications arena.

This position may require registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), depending on the nature of the activities performed. Candidates should be prepared to comply with all applicable legal requirements, including registration and reporting obligations. Burson will assist with determining whether registration is necessary and with the filing process if applicable.

Burson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

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