Senior Vice President - Direct Impact, Public Relations & Public Affairs

More about the role:

Direct Impact is the grassroots practice of Burson (a WPP agency). With a presence in every media market and political jurisdiction across the U.S., our team of seasoned local experts effectively localize and execute national campaigns and initiatives, providing clients with direct access into every community across the country.

We are seeking a Senior Vice President to join our team in Washington, D.C.. This leader will be instrumental in driving new business development, deepening client relationships, and enhancing our local and regional public affairs and public relations capabilities. The SVP will chart and execute the strategic roadmap for practice growth, leveraging the firm's intellectual and thought leadership capital to drive innovation, develop new offerings, and expand our client base.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of winning new business, managing high-level client relationships, and navigating complex media and political landscapes at the local and regional levels. They will have extensive experience in integrated communications and issue advocacy across corporate and consumer sectors such as technology, sports, healthcare, transportation, energy, labor, and education.

What you'll do:

• Support the strategic direction and growth of the Direct Impact practice, with a strong focus on revenue generation, profitability, and client retention.
• Serve as a key driver of new business development, identifying and securing new opportunities, leading RFP responses, and expanding service offerings.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior clients, serving as a strategic advisor and identifying opportunities for organic growth.
• Oversee and enhance local and regional strategies, ensuring campaigns are effectively tailored to resonate within specific markets and communities.
• Act as a visible thought leader and spokesperson for the practice, contributing to industry conversations and elevating the firm's profile.
• Collaborate across Burson and WPP to leverage global resources and expand client engagements into new geographies.
• Provide senior-level counsel on complex public affairs, public relations and regulatory issues, including media strategy, events, product launches, and stakeholder engagement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence within the team and across the agency.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 15+ years of experience with the development and execution of public relations campaigns, issue advocacy, community engagement and corporate communications, with a strong emphasis on client leadership and business development.
• Demonstrated success in winning new business, growing existing accounts, and developing revenue-generating offerings.
• Experience working in a professional services or agency environment is mandatory.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and influence at the C-suite level.
• Passion for working in a diverse and inclusive organization, with active participation in culture-building initiatives.

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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