Account Director, Corporate & Public Affairs (Health Policy)

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Burson, part of WPP, 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.

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More about the role:

Burson is seeking an Account Director, Corporate & Public Affairs to be based in Washington, DC.

This role will serve as a senior policy and regulatory affairs counselor within Burson's Corporate & Public Affairs practice, with a primary focus on healthcare policy and regulatory issues. The Account Director will provide strategic counsel to clients navigating complex legislative, regulatory, and reputational environments, translating policy developments into integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Healthcare policy expertise is critical for this role. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of how health policy is developed and influenced across Congress, federal agencies, trade associations, think tanks, patient advocacy organizations, media, and other key stakeholders within the broader Washington policy ecosystem. While healthcare will be the primary focus, the role will also support clients and opportunities across a range of policy-driven sectors including energy, infrastructure, sustainability, trade, and other highly regulated industries.

This is a highly client-facing position requiring both policy fluency and exceptional communications skills. The ideal candidate can connect policy developments to business outcomes, translate complex issues into compelling narratives, and help clients proactively engage in policy conversations that shape markets, industries, and reputation.

This is an opportunity to become immersed in multifaceted public affairs campaigns while playing a leading role in policy communications, stakeholder engagement, account growth, and business development.

What you'll do:

- Serve as a health policy subject matter expert across a diverse portfolio of clients and new business opportunities.

- Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, identifying risks, opportunities, and implications for clients.

- Develop integrated communications strategies that align policy priorities, stakeholder engagement, reputation objectives, and business goals.

- Translate complex healthcare and public policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations for clients and stakeholders.

- Advise clients on policy-driven initiatives, advocacy efforts, stakeholder engagement programs, thought leadership, and executive visibility strategies.

- Map and engage key policy stakeholders, including policymakers, trade associations, patient organizations, think tanks, third-party experts, and influential media.

- Provide strategic communications support during policy-related issues, regulatory challenges, and reputation management situations.

- Help clients move from reactive monitoring to proactive policy engagement by identifying emerging issues and opportunities before they become business challenges.

- Collaborate with colleagues across Burson's Corporate & Public Affairs, Health, Crisis, and Corporate Reputation teams to deliver integrated solutions.

- Support business development efforts by identifying emerging policy issues, stakeholder opportunities, and new client solutions.

- Lead account teams, mentor junior practitioners, and build strong client relationships.

Experience that contributes to success:

- 7-10+ years of experience in public affairs, policy communications, regulatory affairs, government relations, strategic communications, or a related field.

- Deep knowledge of healthcare policy, regulatory affairs, and legislative processes in the United States.

- Experience working on or around congressional committees, federal agencies, trade associations, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or within a communications agency is highly preferred.

- Strong understanding of the Washington, DC policy ecosystem and the stakeholders that influence policy development and implementation.

- Ability to connect policy developments to business, reputational, and communications implications for clients.

- Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies tied to policy, regulatory, legislative, or advocacy objectives.

- Experience supporting stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, thought leadership initiatives, public education efforts, and executive visibility programs.

- Strong writing, client counseling, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to explain complex policy issues to diverse audiences.

- Familiarity with policy areas beyond healthcare, including energy, infrastructure, sustainability, trade, or other regulated sectors, is a plus.

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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.

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://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome .
The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between: $60,000 — $140,000 USD
### 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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