Associate Director (Internal Comms) - Burson

Burson; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship

Competitive packages

Job summary

Burson in London seeks an Associate Director / Senior Associate Director for its Corporate and Public Affairs team. This role involves leading internal communications and employee engagement initiatives for various clients, acting as a trusted advisor, and managing client relationships.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in agency environments and be skilled at developing engagement strategies that support organizational change. Burson values professional development and offers a diverse, inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an agency environment, focusing on internal communications and employee engagement.
• Ability to lead employee engagement programmes in complex organisations.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients on internal communications.
• Lead end-to-end employee engagement programmes.
• Manage multiple client accounts in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Internal communications

Employee engagement

Change communications

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Job description

More About The Role

This role sits within Burson London’s Corporate and Public Affairs division, a team of eighty plus problem solvers who partner with brands, organisations, and governments to navigate complex reputational, policy and regulatory challenges.

As an Associate Director / Senior Associate Director, you will play a leading role in shaping and delivering high‑impact internal communications and employee engagement programmes for global and UK clients. You will serve as a trusted advisor, translating complex business challenges into clear, compelling strategies that drive engagement, support transformation and strengthen organisational culture. You will lead client relationships, own key programmes and oversee everything from strategic development through to execution and evaluation. You will also contribute to growth through new business pitching and expanding existing client relationships, and mentor and develop the internal engagement team.

What You’ll Do

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic counsel on internal communications and employee engagement, across both proactive programmes and transformation‑led initiatives
• Lead the design and delivery of end‑to‑end employee engagement programmes, owning projects from strategy through to implementation and evaluation
• Develop clear, compelling strategic narratives and campaigns that engage employees and support organisational change
• Manage multiple client accounts in a fast‑paced agency environment, ensuring delivery is on time, on budget and to a high standard
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and drive internal communications across the Corporate & Public Affairs team
• Play a leading role in growing existing accounts and supporting new business, including identifying opportunities and contributing to pitches
• Contribute to building the profile, capability and offering of the internal communications and employee engagement team
• Lead and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team culture
• Apply the latest thinking and innovation, including digital platforms and AI, to enhance employee communication and engagement

Experience That Contributes To Success

• Experience in an agency environment (essential), with a strong foundation in internal communications, employee engagement or change communications
• Proven ability to lead and deliver employee engagement or internal communications programmes, ideally in complex or global organisations
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple clients and priorities with confidence
• Strong strategic and creative thinking skills, with the ability to translate business challenges into engaging communication strategies
• Comfortable acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, with strong influencing and relationship‑building skills
• Experience working with cross‑functional stakeholders including HR, internal communications, digital and leadership teams
• Demonstrable contribution to new business and organic growth, including supporting or leading pitches
• Excellent writing, storytelling and presentation skills, with a focus on employee‑centred content and experiences
• A proactive, hands‑on approach, with the confidence to take the lead on employee engagement initiatives and programmes
• Experience managing and developing teams, alongside an understanding of commercial and operational delivery

You Belong At Burson

We are committed to professional development opportunities, mentorship, an inclusive and collaborative culture, and competitive packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We value diversity and aim to hire individuals from all backgrounds and identities.