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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

 

BURSON PERKS:  

  • Hybrid work environment that offers the flexibility and balance of working from home and going into the office
  • Career growth opportunities through continued education, training & development courses, and Burson’s Career Pathing program
  • Employee Resource Groups that provide our employees the platform to network, build key leadership skills, gain greater visibility and access to senior leadership, have an impact at Burson and the outside community and accelerate their careers
  • Paid time off for vacation, sick and personal days, as well as Summer Fridays. Our Flexible Holiday Policy includes 9 paid holidays inclusive of Juneteenth and World Mental Health Day, with the option to swap out a company holiday for another personally significant day. We also offer paid time off for voting, jury duty, bereavement and school leave. In addition, our offices are closed for Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
  • 12 weeks paid Parental Leave to bond with your new child, also inclusive of adoption and foster care
  • Wellness benefits including healthcare, vision, dental and pet insurance, as well as free virtual or in-person counselling for mental health
  • 401K Savings and Investment Plans
  • Commuter benefits using pre-tax dollars per month to pay for eligible commuting & parking expenses
  • WPP Employee Discount Program based on client roster
  • More information on benefits can be found Here.

 

At Burson, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity. It also enables our agency to thrive and deliver brilliant work.

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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