Senior Account Executive, Sports Communications

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:

Burson’s Sports and Entertainment offering is seeking to hire a Senior Account Executive to work across three global brands to support integrated communication, media/press, activation, event, and sponsorship campaigns supporting the up-coming FIFA World Cup and general US sports such as the NFL, NCAA and MLB.  Bringing deep specialization in the sports sector (soccer experience is mandatory), the Senior Account Executive will assist with a variety of projects, client teams, and account staff, collaborating across geographies and internal practices on the implementation of campaigns, acting as a strong liaison with media to produce a steady beat of coverage across lifestyle and sports business platforms.

A demonstrated understanding of the media landscape in soccer and general sports and culture is key, as is knowing what editors / reporters need today, and execute on fresh ideas that marry client campaigns with what is happening across digital culture, entertainment and lifestyle.

This is an opportunity to join an amazing team working on three highly admired Brands. (Hybrid work structure, ideally based in NYC or LA).

The Work:

• Expert in sports communications (particularly soccer) with a pulse on culture, and lifestyle audiences with a talent for identifying the next trend to support business objectives
• Understand the evolving media landscape, looking to digital channels (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Substack) to round out PR strategies beyond traditional .com and broadcast for social-first coverage
• Craft thoughtful points of view and recommendations based on a broad understanding of consumer behavior/lifestyle, media relations and sports and entertainment landscapes
• Consult on earned media strategies, media lists, organizational partnerships, editorial calendars, conferences, and awards
• Develop key messaging and compelling narratives to shape campaign launches and even athlete interviews
• Establish strong client relationships and impactful relationships with key media in sports and culture
• Support the management of project budgets alongside senior team members
• Managing, maintaining and growing media relationships. You will be expected to pitch and secure coverage as well as attend press trips/events (travel approximately once per month)
• Experience staffing talent interviews as well as press trips (not a must, but a nice-to-have)
• Developing written materials, including reports, press releases, presentations, analyses, coverage recaps, and general client correspondence
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff

Experience that contributes to success:

• 2-3 years of public relations experience in sports (soccer experience mandatory)
• Strong consumer background and experience leading consumer campaigns for complex, global organizations (preferred experience working on communications for a Fortune 100 with a strong consumer focus and/or sports brand
• Experience working on consumer campaigns designed for Gen Z and diverse communities
• Strong written and verbal communications skills across a range of mediums (social media, long-form content, media materials/press releases, presentations, messaging etc.)
• Experience managing projects from end-to-end, being solution oriented and always keeping in mind client goals
• Experienced with Cision, Microsoft suite of tools, MuckRack, Brandwatch and Google Workspace (a plus)
• Active listener who builds strong partnerships internally and externally
• Creative idea generator who brings a fresh perspective to our clients and develops ideas that challenge conventions

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 appaccommodations@bursonglobal.co