Vice President, Mobility & Transportation

More about the role:

The Vice President, Mobility & Transportation will serve as a senior client leader across a portfolio of global brands in aviation, automotive, rail, and beyond. This role combines strategic counsel, executive communications, and hands-on PR execution to elevate corporate reputation, shape narratives, and drive business impact.

The VP will partner closely with senior client stakeholders and internal leadership to manage executive visibility, guide multi-market programs, navigate sensitive industry and geopolitical issues, and identify growth opportunities across accounts. This is both a delivery and growth role: stabilizing and strengthening core accounts while contributing to new business momentum and capability development.

This role is ideally to be based in New York, Chicago or Detroit. 

What you'll do:

Executive & Leadership Communications

• Provide strategic counsel to senior executives and communications leaders, shaping positioning, messaging architecture, and proactive reputation strategies.


• Lead executive storytelling and thought leadership initiatives.


• Support CEO and executive communications.

Corporate & Momentum Storytelling

• Develop and execute integrated corporate communications and earned media programs across multiple markets and stakeholders.


• Lead development of PR deliverables for executive and corporate opportunities.


• Drive narratives aligned with business priorities, innovation, sustainability, and policy developments.


• Support internal communications, including newsletters, speeches, and executive messaging.

Political & Industry Monitoring

• Counsel on sensitive industry, geopolitical, and regulatory developments.


• Provide strategic guidance to help executives navigate reputational risks and emerging issues.

Growth & Business Development

• Identify and unlock organic growth opportunities within existing accounts.


• Partner with practice leadership on new business development, including prospecting, proposal development, and pitch participation.


• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level team members, modeling high performance standards and strong client stewardship.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 10–12+ years of experience in public relations or corporate communications, ideally with some experience in an agency environment.


• Strong background in corporate reputation, executive communications, and earned media strategy.


• Experience advising complex, global organizations in mobility, automotive, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing or technology-driven sectors.


• Demonstrated ability to lead integrated programs across multiple markets and stakeholders.


• Proven track record managing teams, driving quality control and ensuring profitable delivery.


• Strong executive presence and sound judgment under pressure.


• Exceptional writing skills, particularly for senior leadership audiences.


• Ability to identify growth opportunities within existing accounts and contribute to business development.


• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to team development and culture-building.

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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