Associate, Corporate Issues

Weber Shandwick is an engagement agency working at the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We are storytellers and content creators who engage people in brand narratives. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service, creativity, and collaboration.

About the role

The New York office is seeking an Associate to join its Global Crisis and Issues Practice. This team helps leading organizations manage breaking negative issues and events affecting reputation, as well as develop internal culture and infrastructure to predict, prepare, and navigate crises. From conspiracy theories and environmental incidents to executive controversies and product recalls, the team operates at the front lines of media, culture, and conversation. The role involves collaborating with colleagues globally to provide crisis counsel across industries.

Responsibilities

• Support complex, high-profile corporate issues and crisis communications situations (e.g., cybersecurity issues, product safety recalls, natural disaster response, executive leadership changes, IPOs).
• Develop press releases, crisis plans, media strategies, reactive statements, talking points, FAQs, memos, crisis simulations, and other deliverables.
• Monitor and triage client issues, conducting research and preparing executive summaries or analyses that distill complex information into actionable insights.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on research and knowledge of client preferences.
• Prepare for and participate in client meetings, capturing notes, action items, and updating trackers, timelines, and status documents.
• Serve as a role model for team members, producing high-quality work and maintaining open communication with managers.
• Actively build knowledge, contribute to an inclusive team culture, and support integration efforts.
• Participate in the A-Team’s On-Duty rotational schedule, covering evening and weekend hours for critical client reports, ad-hoc research, and emergent crises.

Requirements

• Strong writing skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Full analytical fluency in social and digital platforms, with a strong understanding of social analytics.
• Crisis communications, issues management, and/or public affairs experience.
• Sharp curiosity, analytical mind, and ability to provide strategic, actionable recommendations.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with corporate financials.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines, and solve problems resourcefully.
• Comfortable asking for help and providing direction to team members.
• Proactive self-starter with a strong work ethic and ability to see projects through from start to finish.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of professional experience in an agency, strategic consulting firm, political campaign, law, or similar setting.
• BA or BS, preferably in Political Science, History, Journalism, International Relations, or similar fields.
• Knowledge of basic PR skills and client service.
• Fluent in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and proficient in research, media, and social monitoring platforms (e.g., Brandwatch, Sysomos, Cision, Muckrack, TV Eyes, Critical Mention, Lexis-Nexis).

Pay

Salary range: $52,000 – $60,000 USD. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, market considerations, and budgetary constraints.

Schedule

Omnicom policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, with potential for increased in-office requirements over time.