Account Director, Corporate & Public Affairs, Crisis & Risk

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 an Account Director to join its U.S. Crisis & Risk specialty, a national team of experts bringing decades of experience to support clients through some of their most existential challenges.

The ideal candidate has agency and/or in-house experience providing issues and crisis communications counsel to clients around labor, data privacy, cybersecurity, lawsuits, and NIMBY issues. The ideal candidate will possess strong instincts, bring excellent written and verbal communications skills along with the ability to manage competing deadlines in high-pressure situations.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work on high-stakes and complex communication issues for some of the world’s best-known brands, we’d like to talk to you.

This role can be based in Washington DC, Chicago, New York or Pittsburgh.

What you'll do:

• Manage day-to-day client activities, projects and deliverables contributing both tactically and strategically to clients’ business and reputation goals.


• Produce internal and external communications materials including: messaging, talking points, news releases, social media content, and facts sheets.


• Contribute to clients’ crisis communications preparedness strategies by developing crisis playbooks, scenario plans, and crisis simulations.


• Research and monitor clients’ business and industry to maintain a knowledge base.


• Provide reactive media relations and message development.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 7-10 years of communications experience, including 3-4 years of recent issues & crisis experience in agency and/or in-house roles.


• Specific expertise in crafting crisis communications and scenario plans, with a clear understanding of critical plan elements.


• Demonstrated experience in providing communications counsel in active crisis situations; specific experience in retail, agriculture and/or aviation is a plus.


• Proven experience using A.I. tools for more efficient workflows and to refine messaging and materials, leveraging strong prompting skills.


• An understanding of modern communication channel strategy, including the media landscape (e.g., traditional news outlets, trade publications and independent journalists), owned digital, social media and others to ensure messages reach key stakeholders.


• Ability to handle high priority and high-pressure situations with poise, leveraging impeccable client service skills.


• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into communications for multiple stakeholder audiences.


• Proven program management capabilities with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a collaborative team.


• Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities and employee resource groups.

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. 

#LI-MG1