Assistant Account Executive, Burson Global Marketing & Communications

Burson•Chicago, IL

2d•$35,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Burson, a global communications leader and part of WPP, is seeking an Assistant Account Executive for its Global Marketing & Communications team. This role is instrumental in shaping Burson's external presence, supporting brand and content development, executing marketing activations at major industry events like Davos and Cannes, and gaining hands-on experience in agency-side marketing and communications. The position focuses on developing and delivering integrated programs that advance Burson's strategic priorities and enhance its brand reputation, mirroring how Burson builds reputation for its clients.

Requirements

At least six months of experience, including internships, in the PR field.
Based in New York with the ability to work within Burson’s hybrid in-office model (at least three days per week in the Burson NYC office at 3WTC).
Exposure to or genuine curiosity about in-house or agency-side marketing and communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills that can adapt across different formats.
Sharp organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Comfort working with senior leaders and managing time-critical requests.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Familiarity with basic project-management tools.
Hands-on experience with AI and a willingness to continuously learn about evolving AI tools and discussions.

Nice To Haves

Agency experience is a plus.
This is not a client-facing agency role.

Responsibilities

Track category trends to sharpen communications strategies, messaging, content development, and outreach.
Draft and edit content packages for earned media efforts, including press releases, pitches, bylines, and presentations.
Tailor content and messaging for different audiences, channels, and markets while maintaining Burson's brand voice.
Review brand materials to ensure alignment with Burson's brand voice, tone, and messaging guidelines.
Generate ideas, news angles, and relevant industry perspectives.
Manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Assist in shaping how AI transforms communications workflows and infrastructure, acting as an early adopter of Burson's innovation tools.
Utilize media intelligence and AI-supported monitoring tools to track coverage, identify emerging narratives, and surface story opportunities.
Build and maintain a database of journalists, publications, podcasts, newsletters, and channels, noting their beats and interests.
Draft and execute targeted pitches, coordinate follow-up, and track outcomes.
Collaborate with social and owned-channel teams to leverage earned media coverage across platforms.
Monitor industry news, competitor coverage, and Burson's earned media to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Analyze outreach and coverage data to derive insights and refine future strategies.
Partner with cross-functional teams to plan and execute events and external marketing activations.
Develop event timelines, project plans, guest lists, invitations, agendas, speaker materials, and briefing documents.
Support thought leadership and practice marketing campaigns from conception to launch.
Coordinate with creative, digital, operations, regional teams, and external vendors to ensure timely completion of event materials.
Cultivate relationships with vendors and partners through professional engagement.
Provide on-site and virtual support for events, including registration, coordination, communications, troubleshooting, and post-event follow-ups.
Assist with post-event reporting, coverage tracking, attendee communications, and evaluation of event outcomes.