Public Relations Account Executive

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

As an Account Executive at Burson, you'll support client relations, assist in executing PR campaigns, and contribute to media outreach and strategy development. You'll work closely with senior team members, gain hands-on experience, and have the opportunity to grow in a dynamic, fast-paced agency environment.

What You Will Do

Client Service

• Continue to learn about your client and build client relations with key stakeholders
• Understand your clients' individual PR objectives, their brand, market, competitors and individual products/suite of services
• Remain fully across all aspects of your account - asking questions and being engaged as part of client meetings and WIPs
• Continue to bring new and current ideas to BURSON, suggest ideas and share thoughts with Client Lead (CL)
• Keep across account KPI's and updated deliverables
• Respond to clients in a timely manner on behalf of the team, if CL is out of the office and client needs a response
• Read a range of titles (print/online/newsletters) on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to increase your knowledge of key issues, find articles of interest and discussion points for your clients - and then proactively suggest to your client from your research findings
• Build an understanding of both client and BURSON best practices and ensure they are adhered to and delivere

Account Handling

• Working with AC on administrative tasks from reporting to daily monitoring, working efficiently to internal and client deadlines
• Full working knowledge of media monitoring tools - acting as team 'go-to' across iSentia, NewsWhip, Meltwater etc.
• Ensure you are supporting your team to secure consistent, quality results across all account KPIs
• Ahead of client meetings ensure that progress reports and any additional specific information is prepared and distributed to the relevant team members
• Always be prepared before each client meeting - taking ownership of being across all aspects you are involved in. If not clear or there are areas to you are not sure about, discuss with CL in good time before the call
• Input in client meetings and calls, show interest and enthusiasm for the brand and topic
• Learn the art of negotiation - how we can maximise opportunities for our clients across third party, media and influencer discussions

Media And Influencer Support

• Take an interest in the media landscape in your market (Australia and/or New Zealand), gaining an understanding of the way journalists across different mediums work and the challenges they face
• Proactively build and develop your media and influencer contacts - aim to have a strong database of 'go-to' contacts
• Take all opportunities to practice calling and pitching to journalists and in order to develop experience
• Develop an appropriate tone and style of email correspondence to follow up pitches
• Take the lead in drafting well-structured and engaging press releases, pitches and alerts; secure approval; distribute and follow up
• Create robust, accurate and well-thought-out media lists that are relevant to specific campaigns and clients, and ensure they remain up to date
• Responsible for media list updates (with AC support as needed)

Self-Management

• Update your team/client on the progress of your work in a timely manner, flagging any concerns in ample time to make sure that all deadlines are hit
• Set out daily/weekly 'to-do' lists and ensure your tasks are prioritised correctly
• Contribute relevant, varied and valuable ideas in creative brainstorms
• Effectively manage interns and ACs to ensure their time is used in the most productive way to benefit the team
• Record your hours accurately and keep timesheets up to date daily
• Elevate concerns or issues to your CL or Manager, providing suggested solutions where possible

Financial / New Business

• Develop an understanding of SOX compliance and why it is important
• Manage the creation of supplier POs efficiently and diligently
• Ensure third-party costs and fees are signed off by CL, providing them with justification and breakdown where necessary
• Pay attention to new business discussions, proactively providing ideas and suggestions to assist with new business pitches and planning where relevant

Wider Agency Thinking

• Actively engage with senior team members to foster areas of development and growth
• Share ideas for BURSON's content & marketing channels on a weekly basis e.g. IG
• Build awareness of BURSON's full suite of services and core propositions - utilise assets like BURSON Connect and Inside WPP
• Demonstrate an interest and partake in BURSON's development and growth
• Showcase a wider interest in areas beyond traditional PR - e.g. digital and IC
• Proactively share ideas and suggestions in how the agency can continue to excel - for example ideas for internal team trainings, updating methodology, new services or better ways of working
• Develop an understanding of the other WPP agencies in your market

Experience That Contributes To Success

• 2-3 years of experience in consumer PR or related agency work, with a strong track record in delivering impactful campaigns
• Solid understanding of the media landscape and experience crafting strategies for consumer brands
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage projects and deliver clear, compelling content
• Creative thinker with a passion for fresh ideas, and the ability to work both independently and within a team

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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