Public Relations - Account Executive

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 is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. Learn more at www.bursonglobal.com.

JOB TITLE: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ROLE:
The Account Executive puts plans into action! With your expanding contact list of media, influencers and industry, your colleagues and clients rely on you as a valued member of the team that makes things happen and creates impact. You are continuing to develop your core skills through training and coaching, and have plenty of opportunity to explore disciplines and practice areas through your client portfolio and project activity. At Account Executive level, you are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently and as an effective member of a well‐functioning team, taking responsibility for day‐to‐day activation of items on the client WIP. At this level, you will contribute to the strategy and planning on your accounts, so lots of avenues for creative thinking and new ideas. You will have a client‐facing role and be accountable for daily deliverables of high quality work.

SKILLS + COMPETENCIES
At this level, you will be able to:

1. Be an integral part of the account team by taking ownership of tasks on the Work In Progress report (WIP) including media and online research, maintaining media and influencer lists, monitoring media and compiling accurate coverage reports, as well as effectively pitching news to media, securing media opportunities for clients and administering product review programmes.
2. Assist with preparation, delivery and follow up of announcements and events, including press conferences, media/analyst/influencer briefings, social events, product launch events.
3. Demonstrate creativity, understanding and attention to detail through the ability to create client‐ready content, including press releases, articles, speeches, executive speaking points and briefing documents, social media calendar and content, interview transcripts/summaries and activity reports.
4. Continue development of language skills for Arabic consultants; including expertise in originating core content for different platforms, localising materials to the Arabic language and audience, and working with the translation team to improve client‐ready content.
5. Understand and be conversationally competent on popular social media channels; how they work, their audience and purpose, the services they offer and how to optimise content to drive results.
6. Take ownership of day‐to‐day community management, including conversations and posts; flag issues/potential issues arising on social channels to account lead.
7. Establish an understanding of influencer mapping and ability to create a list of relevant key influencers for a client or project.
8. Draft a creative brief and work with designers, producers and other specialists from concept to final product.
9. Extract information and compile reports from social tools including Sherlock, Facebook Analytics, Twitter Analytics, YouTube Analytics and Sysomos.
10. Create accurate and clear reports for all channels, such as tracker reports, conversation/topic analyses, ad campaign reports, community management and coverage reports.
11. Research client and competitor products and services, develop and apply industry knowledge.
12. Develop and demonstrate a solid understanding of PR principles and client strategy by contributing appropriate approaches and ideas for clients and projects.
13. Develop an understanding of the regional media landscape, keep abreast of current affairs, industry issues and trends relating to clients and their markets.
14. Meet influencers, media + other client stakeholders on a regular basis.
15. Actively participate in internal creative brainstorms across all agency sectors and apply creative thinking to all aspects of your work.

People
Assist in managing the workload and activities of junior team members, team assistants and interns. Actively participate in team and client meetings. Actively participate in office or team initiatives that enhance Burson's working environment. Provide support to our internship/Graduate programme through buddy role and engagement with local universities. Act as a Burson ambassador internally and externally.

Business Acumen
Be aware of Burson's offerings, specialist services, META and global network. Complete time sheets on a weekly basis ‐ mandatory. Be alert to new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients, and discuss with senior team. Assist in researching and responding to RFPs for new business proposals. Support and contribute to industry award entries. Be familiar with Burson's social media policy and professional practices. Contribute to the external marketing activity of Burson. Be diligent in submitting expenses in a timely manner.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Implementation of day‐to‐day publishing work, online and traditional media. Foster relationships within the client team, share knowledge and insight. Take responsibility for part of a client or project WIP; manage implementation of a product review or influencer engagement programme. Display sound judgement and problem solving on a day‐to‐day level, with senior support. Delegate effectively and know when to escalate issues to senior team members. Identify and discuss long term career goals with Line Manager. Demonstrate professional behaviour at all times; show maturity in client interactions and counsel. Complete mandatory training courses for progression to next level.

QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree, 2++ years’ relevant industry experience, Excellent written and oral communication skills, Ability to multi‐task and work in a team environment, Bilingual is an asset.

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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.