Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

More about the role:

We are seeking a senior level, politically astute agency leader to help lead, and co-lead a number of important accounts, including support of an international government contract. Desired background includes past working relationships with senior government officials, political campaign experience and demonstrated success in leading strategic initiatives and programs out of Washington or other international capitals. The successful candidate will bring the executive presence, credibility, and political acumen to operate confidently at the highest levels of government and international affairs.

More broadly, this role will help create, inform and oversee execution of reputation programs with a public affairs component. Campaigns will likely spread across a wide spectrum of issues including financial services, climate/sustainability, safety, tourism, taxes and tariffs and government oversight. It will also include protecting and promoting the reputation of companies in Washington. Target audiences will include consumers, government officials (foreign and domestic) and business stakeholders. This is a client-facing role that requires significant experience leading teams and developing strong and broad client relationships. Destination client travel will be required within the Eastern Time zone.

This position may require registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), depending on the nature of the activities performed. Candidates should be prepared to comply with all applicable legal requirements, including registration and reporting obligations. Burson will assist with registration the filing process if applicable.

What you'll do:

• Develop and execute campaign strategies around partnerships, stakeholder and influencer engagement to build awareness and public education
• Develop and maintain relationships with and advise senior level government leaders
• Collaborate across multiple integrated workstreams, teams and geographies
• Support commitment to an inclusive and diverse environment, demonstrating strong mentoring and leadership skills
• Foster strong internal and client-facing relationships to build trust and gradually transition key responsibilities from the Account Lead to the broader team.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior government leaders and other high-level officials.
• Act as the primary on-the-ground presence for various accounts.
• Navigate complex domestic political landscapes and communications challenges, providing strategic counsel on positioning, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strengthen U.S.-based public affairs capabilities within the practice, ensuring alignment with international strategies and priorities.
• Lead and inspire a collaborative network of leads, ensuring they are informed, connected, and empowered to deliver exceptional results. Be a team uniter, removing obstacles and celebrating successes. You have led large integrated teams and people regardless of whether they report to you or not.
• Personally lead and contribute to key accounts in the Public Affairs arena, working with any individual within a client organization – up to and including CEOs and Board members.
• Foster a sense of belonging and alignment within Burson on key issues, topics, priorities and individuals related to Public Affairs and advisory around the globe. Be an active conduit of information and relationships, creating opportunities both internally and externally.
• Regularly create and contribute to thought leadership that will help build the positioning and reputation of Burson as a leading Public Affairs agency globally.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 14+ years’ senior-level experience in political, government, agency or public affairs roles — ideally including positions at the U.S. State Department, in Congress, senior diplomatic posts, political campaign management or equivalent high-profile leadership roles.
• Strategic mindset and experience crafting strategic communications plans, implementing them tactically and measuring success.
• Experience leading major accounts, practices, or departments within an agency and/or managing strategic corporate public affairs programs in the public sector
• Recognized as a trusted advisor and thought partner, with a proven ability to manage complex, senior-level relationships across multiple geographies and navigate diverse cultural, economic, and political contexts.
• Demonstrated success in driving new business while growing existing accounts organically, with strong commercial acumen and an orientation toward growth.
• Track record of stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, and message development to consumer, government, and business audiences.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, mentor junior practitioners, and build high-performance cultures.
• Excellent intercultural communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues with executive presence clearly to individuals, small groups, and large audiences in both written and verbal form.
• Strong analytical skills to adapt to an evolving and unpredictable environment, with an ability to quickly identify, communicate, and act on emerging trends and opportunities in the global public affairs landscape.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, change-focused environment while modeling corporate values.

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.

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