International Affairs Associate Director

About Burson

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 operates under WPP (NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.

Our Team

Fuelled by unique insights, creativity, and deep expertise, the Burson International and Public Affairs team is the UK’s most dynamic force of bright, inquisitive, and bold communications consultants.

Our International Affairs work helps organisations and businesses communicate internationally in a way that amplifies them locally, combining international best practice with market know-how and counsel. Our holistic approach to communications is integrated helping clients identify the best opportunities, targets and channels to achieve objectives and deliver impact.

Consistently ahead of the next, we are trusted advisers when the stakes are high, helping clients navigate the complex challenges of today while anticipating the sensitive issues of tomorrow. We have the firepower and skills to support organisations at every stage in their growth cycles and we reach stakeholders through every possible channel, ultimately moving hearts, minds, and people. We work with clients across all industries including placemaking, fintech, education, government and so much more.

We offer an impressive and integrated mix of agency natives, former journalists, political campaigners, and in-house leads who unite to deliver diverse and differentiated perspectives to clients based on experience and sound judgement. We prize rigor, quality, and agility, forging meaningful partnerships with our clients to add value. And we like to have fun.

The Role & Responsibilities

We are looking for an Associate Director to work across our International Affairs clients in the Gulf and across Europe.

• You will be a client relationship leader and responsible for the efficient and profitable running of all client business and staff within your group. You will be capable of driving and growing existing business within the context and plans of the agency. Your role will be to develop activities for clients and oversee their execution, quality controlling all aspects of the clients’ programmes and relationships with the agency.
• You will also take a leading role in developing and winning new business, from the initial approach and research stage, through to development of strategic plans and creative proposals, and leading pitch teams as and when required.
• You will have experience on working with sensitive issues, delicate situations and different cultures both with clients and the issues they work with. This should extend to materials on complex issues including Q&A and speeches, issues management and senior counsel advisory.
• You will be adept at managing teams, acting as a leadership figure, fostering morale and giving clear direction. Ensuring consistent delivery and fostering growth among the team will also be important.
• You will also be involved in the running and development of the agency, implementing time and staff management, financial/profitability and business plans as required.

Desired Attributes

• Strong strategic mindset and skills
• Clear consistent and regular communications skills
• Issues management
• Working with complex client ecosystems
• Ability to develop and handle new business pitches
• Creative problem solving skills
• Ability to supervise and motivate staff
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations and craft campaigns
• Ability to write strategic materials
• Familiarity with the international communications environment including some mix of international media, social media, digital communications and stakeholder management
• Strong project management
• Line management

Our London Office

Burson employs over 300 people in the UK, and our stunning Southwark offices run over two floors as part of the larger WPP Campus, Rose Court. We have access to a beautiful roof terrace with panoramic views across London and a bar/restaurant area, which is a great spot for client meetings and socialising with the wider agency and other WPP OpCo’s.

DE&I

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. For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.

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