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Account Director, Automotive Public Policy Communications

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Burson 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. Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.  

THE ROLE

The Account Director will lead an integrated agency team responsible for supporting the government and public policy communications efforts for a major automotive client. Serving as the client’s primary strategic and day-to-day partner, you will oversee projects and activations that support the client's strategic policy objectives. This position is based out of our client's Washington, D.C. office.

THE WORK:

  • Lead an agency team of 3-5 staff.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies aligned with policy priorities.
  • Draft and refine communications materials, including press statements, Q&As, messaging guides, and briefing memos.
  • Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interactions and events.
  • Craft internal communications to inform and engage employees on policy matters.
  • Create external communications targeting federal, state, and local stakeholders.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists.
  • Respond to media inquiries promptly and effectively.
  • Guide media outreach efforts to enhance the client's public profile.
  • Oversee media monitoring efforts to track coverage and inform strategy.
  • Collaborate with industry experts and trade associations to advance strategic goals.
  • Contribute a government affairs communications perspective on partner projects.
  • Engage with internal teams to ensure cross-functional alignment.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the client, communications team, and agency partners.
  • Lead and motivate account staff of 1 to 3 people, fostering a high-performing team environment.
  • Manage account administration, including staffing decisions, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Lead research initiatives and develop market studies to support communications strategies.
  • Monitor political developments nationally and globally to assess potential impacts.
  • Identify and analyze issues for proactive media and government monitoring.

 

 EXPERIENCE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO SUCCESS:

  • 5 to 8 years in public affairs communications, preferably with automotive policy experience.
  • Federal executive or legislative experience with an understanding of policy and press functions.
  • Exceptional writing skills for diverse audiences.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proven project management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lead and inspire a team within a complex organization.
  • Established relationships with media and familiarity with current media landscape and trends; existing relationships within automotive industry or policy space a plus.
  • Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possessing a good sense of humor.
  • Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities and employee resource groups

 

How We’ll Support You:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, tuition reimbursement for continued learning, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation, and competitive compensation and benefits packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

 

ABOUT BURSON: 

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-all’s. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Burson does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, or ancestry. 

For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $60,000.00 to 140,000.00. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package; click here for more details: https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome 

Our careers page is designed to be accessible to everyone. If you need any specific accommodations during the application process, feel free to reach out to us at appaccommodations@bursonglobal.com. Please note that this email is for applicants needing special assistance, so we may not be able to reply to other inquiries.

 

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