Account Director, Technology

Account Director, Technology

Hybrid work structure, ideally based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, or Chicago but open to other major metro areas

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.

THE ROLE:

Technology continues to re-write the rules and change the world – and the stakes have never been higher. Want to be on the front lines, shaping the narrative for the innovations that matter? As part of one of the world's largest dedicated technology PR practices, you'll work with industry titans and challengers and disruptive startups, crafting stories that resonate, inspire, and drive real impact. We're not about press releases and blogs; we're about building reputations that stand the test of time.

We are looking to hire an exceptional Account Director for our Technology practice. This role is for an entrepreneurial “go getter” and offers the opportunity to expand the practice while doing career-defining work for both established and emerging technology brands in sectors such as consumer electronics, semiconductors and automotive technology.

The role will focus on managing integrated communications programs that include media relations, executive visibility, corporate reputation, and brand & product communications. We seek candidates with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, strong client relationship-building skills, and a deep passion for technology and media relations.

THE WORK:

• Serve as a day-to-day client contact and manage workstreams and teams on program implementation
• Work with account leaders to set strategic direction for accounts, facilitating planning, strategy development, drafting of communications plans and managing execution
• Leverage media relations network with top tier business and technology outlets
• Drive story idea development for wide range of clients including the ability to track industry trends and identify opportunities to insert our clients into current news cycles
• Develop content including plans, competitive analysis, executive and corporate thought leadership documents, event recommendations, media strategy and more
• Contribute to program development for clients and new business proposals
• Supervise junior team members on both client-work and career development

EXPERIENCE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO SUCCESS:

• 6+ years’ experience working in public relations
• A genuine interest in and passion for technology and the ability to “geek out.”
• Strong experience within the technology industry (Business to Business and Business to Consumer)
• A curious, creative problem solver with a track record of delivering results for clients and pursuing opportunities to push the envelope.
• Ability to think proactively and strategically on behalf of clients and anticipate their needs
• Experience with device and hardware introductions and product review programs,
• Substantive experience with CES-related program management, brand and product activations, media relations, and events.
• Expertise in media relations and established relationships with trade, top-tier technology and business media
• Experience with corporate reputation programs, including awards/rankings, speaking opportunities and thought leadership
• Experience partnering with a variety of people and teams on cross-agency work and ability to work both within a geographically diverse team and independently -- when necessary – to meet client expectations.
• Skilled at thinking creatively and bringing new ideas to clients and prospects
• Ability to develop trust and engagement with clients, supervisors, team members and external influencers
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills along with strong attention to detail
• Desire to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities and employee resource groups.

BURSON PERKS:

• Hybrid work environment that offers the flexibility and balance of working from home and going into the office
• Career growth opportunities through continued education, training & development courses, and BCW’s Career Pathing program
• Employee Resource Groups that provide our employees the platform to network, build key leadership skills, gain greater visibility and access to senior leadership, have an impact at Burson and the outside community and accelerate their careers.
• Paid time off for vacation, sick and personal days, as well as Summer Fridays. Our Flexible Holiday Policy includes 9 paid holidays inclusive of Juneteenth and World Mental Health Day, with the option to swap out a company holiday for another personally significant day. We also offer paid time off for voting, jury duty, bereavement and school leave. In addition, our offices are closed for Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• 12 weeks paid Parental Leave to bond with your new child, also inclusive of adoption and foster care
• Wellness benefits including healthcare, vision, dental and pet insurance, as well as free virtual or in-person counselling for mental health.
• 401K Savings and Investment Plans
• Commuter benefits using pre-tax dollars per month to pay for eligible commuting & parking expenses
• WPP Employee Discount Program based on client roster
• More information on benefits can be found Here.  

ABOUT BURSON: 

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.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Burson does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, or ancestry.

For more information, visit www.bursonglobal.com.

When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

Recruitment Privacy Notice:

https://www.bursonglobal.com/p/recruitment-privacy-notice

California Recruitment Privacy Notice:

https://www.bursonglobal.com/p/california-recruitment-privacy-notice

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $60,000 to $140,000. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package; click here for more details: https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wellbeing/benefits-at-wpp-in-the-us

Our careers page is designed to be accessible to everyone. If you need any specific accommodations during the application process, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is for applicants needing special assistance, so we may not be able to reply to other inquiries.

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