Talent Acquisition Specialist (Senior Account Executive)

Who we are:

Burson, part of WPP, 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.

About the role

It takes incredible talent to produce incredible results. At Burson, great work starts with great people. Following an incredible year of industry recognition—including being named PR Agency of the Year and earning the PR Lions Grand Prix Cannes Lions—we continue to invest in the talent that fuels our growth and success.

As a Senior Account Executive, Talent Acquisition Specialist, you'll play a key role in helping Burson attract, engage, and hire top communications talent across our range of practices including Technology, Consumer, Corporate Affairs, and Burson Insights, Data, & Intelligence (BIDI).

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for entry-level through mid-level positions across multiple communications disciplines.
• Partner closely with hiring managers to understand talent needs, define candidate profiles, and develop recruitment strategies.
• Sources, screens, assesses, and presents top talent across PR, communications, marketing, digital, and related professional services backgrounds.
• Builds diverse, high-quality candidate pipelines through proactive sourcing, networking, referrals, and market mapping.
• Recruits across multiple U.S. markets, leveraging local market knowledge and talent insights.
• Delivers a high-touch, "white glove" candidate experience from initial outreach through offer and onboarding.
• Serves as a brand ambassador, educating candidates about Burson's culture, career opportunities, and employee value proposition.
• Builds and maintains long-term relationships with prospective candidates, including top talent who may be a fit for future opportunities.
• Keeps candidates informed and engaged throughout the interview process through thoughtful and transparent communication.
• Consults with hiring managers on market trends, talent availability, compensation, and recruitment best practices.
• Negotiates offers and guides compensation discussions in partnership with HR and business leaders.
• Provides data-driven insights and recommendations to improve hiring outcomes and recruiting effectiveness.
• Collaborates with the broader People team on talent initiatives, employer branding efforts, and process improvements.
• Manages candidate activity and requisitions within Greenhouse and other talent systems.
• Leverages modern recruiting technologies, AI tools, interview intelligence platforms, and talent analytics to enhance hiring outcomes.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, candidate experience, and hiring manager satisfaction.
• Participates in employer branding initiatives, networking events, industry conferences, and campus/early talent programs as needed.

Requirements

• 3-4+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience.
• Previous recruiting experience within a PR, communications, marketing, advertising, consulting, or professional services organization preferred.
• PR agency recruiting experience is highly desirable.
• Experience recruiting across multiple U.S. markets and talent pools.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple searches simultaneously while maintaining a strong candidate experience.
• Experience recruiting early-career talent and a strong understanding of what motivates emerging and Gen Z professionals.
• Proven ability to source and engage passive candidates through creative and strategic recruiting methods.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and establish credibility with hiring managers and candidates alike.
• Experience leading salary and offer negotiations.
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems, preferably Greenhouse.
• Experience using recruiting technologies such as Metaview, Crosschq, LinkedIn Recruiter, and AI-powered recruiting tools.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented mindset, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for connecting great talent with meaningful career opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in a similar role.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Passion for talent acquisition and a desire to make a positive impact.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in talent acquisition.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with hiring managers and candidates.
• Experience with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruiting software.
• Understanding of labor laws and regulations relevant to recruiting.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of industry-specific terminology and concepts.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and recruit accordingly.
• Experience with social media and digital marketing.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Benefits

Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package; click here for more details: https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome.

We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

At Burson, we believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.