Account Director - Earned Media, Consumer Brand

More about the role:

Burson is seeking an Account Director of Earned Media focusing on Consumer and Brand clients.. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic earned media leader who combines strategy, audience insight, storytelling, media expertise, and integrated communications thinking to deliver impactful campaigns for leading consumer brands.

The ideal candidate understands that great earned media starts with a compelling story, informed by research, data, cultural trends, and audience insights. You will lead strategic media relations programs across a range of consumer sectors including consumer lifestyle, retail, consumer health and wellness, food and beverage, travel and other consumer-facing categories.

In this client-facing role, you will oversee earned media strategy, guide integrated communications programs, drive strong earned results, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and internal teams. You will also contribute to business development efforts and help shape innovative communications programs that leverage both traditional and emerging channels.

What you'll do:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead strategic earned media programs grounded in audience insights, research, analytics, and strong storytelling.
• Create integrated communications strategies that connect earned media with influencer, social, digital, content, paid, and experiential efforts.
• Identify compelling story angles and opportunities that advance client business goals and enhance brand reputation.
• Translate research, consumer data, cultural insights, and market trends into actionable communications strategies.

Client Management

• Serve as a day-to-day client lead and trusted counselor across multiple accounts.
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, strategic recommendations, and exceptional service.
• Partner with account management teams to ensure flawless execution of communications programs and client deliverables.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and strategic planning sessions.

Media Relations & Storytelling

• Develop tailored media strategies based on the specific audience, story, and business objectives rather than relying solely on existing media contacts.
• Create pitches, press materials, messaging frameworks, executive talking points, and media briefing documents.
• Build and cultivate relationships with key reporters, editors, producers, content creators, and industry influencers.
• Secure high-impact media coverage, interviews, speaking opportunities, and brand integrations.
• Respond to media inquiries and manage media engagement opportunities.

Integrated Communications

• Collaborate closely with digital, influencer, paid media, creative, research, and analytics teams to deliver fully integrated campaigns.
• Leverage media monitoring, social listening, and analytics tools to evaluate performance and identify new opportunities.
• Apply emerging technologies and AI tools as thought partners for research, media audits, competitive analysis, and strategic planning while exercising sound professional judgment.

Team Leadership & New Business

• Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to and help lead the earned media portions of new business proposals and agency pitches.
• Present strategic recommendations confidently to both prospective and existing clients.
• Support a culture of innovation, learning, inclusion, and professional development across the agency.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 6-8 years of experience in public relations, earned media, strategic communications, or integrated marketing communications.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic earned media campaigns for consumer brands.
• Strong understanding of today's evolving media landscape, including traditional, digital, social, influencer, and creator ecosystems.
• Demonstrated success translating research, consumer insights, business objectives, and cultural trends into impactful communications programs.
• Track record of securing top-tier earned media coverage and building meaningful relationships with media and other external stakeholders.
• Exceptional client management and relationship-building skills.
• Experience developing executive messaging, media strategies, and strategic communications plans.
• Strong presentation, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize effectively, and operate successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using media intelligence and monitoring platforms such as Cision, Muck Rack, Brandwatch, Newswhip, or comparable tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Experience collaborating with influencer marketing, paid media, social media, analytics, and creative teams.
• Intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a passion for storytelling.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agency experience working with national and global consumer brands.
• Experience across multiple consumer sectors including retail, consumer goods, food and beverage, travel, hospitality, technology, automotive, wellness, and lifestyle brands.
• Experience leading integrated communications campaigns that combine earned, social, influencer, and paid strategies.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled research, media intelligence, and communications planning tools.

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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The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between: 60000 - 140000 USD