Account Director - Health and Wellness

Who we are:

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. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

Burson is looking for an Account Director specializing in Communications to join our Health and Wellness team based in Toronto.

We are a dynamic public relations team with a well-established but fast-growing national health practice. We are looking for a self-starter who will bring a great attitude, energy, and passion to our team. We are looking for a candidate with familiarity with pharmaceutical communications, experience working in an agency setting, a passion for coaching the next generation of talent, and the ability to lead integrated accounts.

Take your career to the next level with a global network of energized experts working across a diverse roster of pharmaceutical, health provider, consumer health, and non-profit clients. Sensitive to the needs of health professionals, patients, policymakers, and advocates alike, our seasoned specialists have a proven track record of building awareness, changing behavior, influencing policy decisions, and driving business results through integrated campaigns leveraging traditional and digital media channels. 

Burson is creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone belongs. At Burson, we are driven by our core values, the 4 C's: Craft, Curiosity, Camaraderie, and Counsel. These values guide our behaviors, shape our work, and define our everyday experiences, enabling us to succeed and grow.

What you'll do:

As the daily manager for larger agency teams, the Account Director holds the key client-agency relationship. With a keen ear to the client’s objectives and priorities – both those spoken and unspoken – you sense their needs and set a course of action accordingly. Strategically, creatively, and collaboratively, you guide the agency team towards their consistent client success – ensuring a final work product that exceeds expectations.

• Lead impactful health & wellness campaigns: Shape strategy, development, and execution of PR programs that improve the health of Canadians.
• Manage key client accounts: Build strong relationships, orchestrate workstreams, and coach account teams to ensure client success.
• Develop strategic communications: Oversee the creation of campaign strategies, digital content, media materials, and client messaging.
• Drive new business: Manage proposals and represent Burson in pitch presentations.
• Provide strategic counsel: Deliver thoughtful insights and proactive counsel to clients based on deep industry knowledge.
• Foster a collaborative environment: Contribute expertise, passion, and creativity to a supportive and entrepreneurial team.
• Manage financial performance: Assist in tracking key financial levers, developing budgets, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Prior public relations agency/consulting experience and pharmaceutical/bioscience experience are a must.
• 7-10 years of full-time PR experience.
• Client service minded with the ability to establish, grow, and maintain strong relationships with key client contacts; able to function as a trusted resource and counselor.
• Subject matter expert with strong working knowledge of the Canadian healthcare industry and relevant media contacts.
• Strategic thinking with a curiosity about our client’s business and communications challenges to develop smart, insight-driven strategies.
• Superb writing ability with a keen eye for detail (proven ability to write content, communications plans, executive messaging, etc.).
• Understanding of ASC and PAAB requirements, in addition to facilitating internal pharmaceutical company reviews.
• Experience leading and coaching teams.
• Passion for storytelling and the health and wellness of all people across Canada.
• Collaborative approach to working with a team across different geographies and sectors/services.

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You belong at Burson:

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, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. 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 backgrounds and 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.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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