Vice President, Earned Media (Washington D.C.)

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 looking for a Vice President based in Washington, D.C. to join our Earned Media team. This person will contribute to the growth and performance of the firm by supporting large, integrated client teams across various workstreams and programs. 

You will support client business priorities with earned media strategy and planning, offer public affairs expertise as applicable and execute earned media relations campaigns, content development and other integrated internal/external efforts including executive visibility, and thought leadership. Understanding the sphere of influence with Beltway media is critical.

The right candidate has deep familiarity with the Washington, D.C. media landscape and understands how to build and position a company’s brand story from a policy and stakeholder perspective. This includes understanding how companies engage on issues that matter not only to their business, but also to constituents, policymakers and broader public audiences.

If you’re solutions-oriented and earned-media savvy, Burson is a place where you’ll thrive. 

And while there is no one kind of Burson Person, everyone at Burson has something in common: a mindset, a way of responding to challenges with openness and curiosity and a commitment to learning. Burson will feed that drive by rewarding courageous tenacity and nurturing your career with the opportunity to work across a variety of industry verticals and collaborate across multiple practice teams and geographies. 

What you'll do:

• Leverage and build relationships with a variety of top tier, business and trade media including those in the mainstream, conservative and emerging media spaces.
• Drive development of earned media relations strategies and tactics, delivering results.
• Integrate and highlight Burson’s proprietary technologies to support innovative and creative earned media storytelling opportunities.
• Serve as an SME in the Earned Media practice on D.C. and Beltway media, including the evolving reporter and newsletter landscape.
• Support clients operating at the intersection of corporate reputation, policy and public affairs.
• Play a lead role in mentoring junior team members and support professional development opportunities.
• Develop and grow client relationships, acting as day-to-day point of contact.
• Develop and/or edit key messages and media materials for corporate announcements or executives, including talking points, Q&As, news releases, etc. as needed.
• Act as the client’s go-to source of information for industry and media trends and corresponding opportunities for new perspectives.
• Support integrated teams and subject matter experts by helping drive projects forward and ensuring strong cross-functional coordination.

Experience that contributes to success:

• Minimum 8 years of previous public relations work experience in the corporate communications and public affairs sector with top tier national and Beltway media. Agency experience is a plus.
• Deep understanding of the Washington, D.C. media ecosystem and existing relationships with Beltway media and influencers.
• Track record of developing proactive, positive storytelling for clients at the corporate level.
• Experience supporting policy-oriented clients and understanding the intersection of earned media and policy influence.
• Demonstrated media relations success including strategy and successful/measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing media placements at global events is a plus, but not required.
• A blended background in both account management and media relations.
• Prior journalism, television production or newsroom experience is a plus.
• Advanced writing skills, ability to write for senior level management and audiences adapting tone and style.
• Ability to manage complex relationships diplomatically and consultatively.
• Ability to think innovatively; develop creative solutions and new programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and fast-moving priorities.

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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.