Government Relations Partner

Who We Are
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. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More About The Role
As a Government Relations Partner at Hawker Britton, Australia's leading Labor aligned government relations firm, you will lead our NSW Government practice while contributing to national work across the Commonwealth, State, Territory, and local levels. This Sydney based leadership role provides an unparalleled opportunity to work on high-profile political and policy issues that are shaping Australia's future.

With over a decade of senior experience in politics, policy, or government, you will leverage established relationships with the Minns Labor Government, its Ministers, senior staff, and the NSW public service. You will also bring strong connections with the business and community sectors, enabling you to actively market the firm at Board, C-suite, and senior management levels.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this position is part of Hawker Britton's collaborative senior leadership team. You will be expected to show initiative, demonstrate strategic insight, and contribute to firm-wide growth and influence.

We offer a highly incentivised pay structure, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to collaborate with our global parent company, WPP, and its world-leading public relations brand, Burson. You will also have access to Burson's cutting edge AI tools to manage and grow public affairs practices.

What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership & Advocacy

• Lead the NSW Government practice while contributing to national and local policy engagements
• Provide strategic political and policy advice to clients, drawing on your senior-level experience and networks
• Influence outcomes through advocacy, campaigning, and high-level stakeholder engagement

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministers, political offices, the NSW public service, and key stakeholders across business and community sectors.
• Actively market the firm at senior levels, representing Hawker Britton in boardrooms, C suites, and public forums
• Collaborate with colleagues nationally to deliver seamless government relations support across jurisdictions

Client Service & Growth

• Develop client strategies aligned with evolving political, policy, and procurement landscapes
• Contribute to new business development opportunities and support firm growth
• Utilise emerging AI tools to enhance client service, strategic insights, and operational efficiency

Teamwork & Leadership

• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive organisational success
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, high performance culture
• Contribute to internal initiatives that strengthen Hawker Britton's reputation and influence

Experience That Contributes To Success

• Extensive political experience: 10+ years in senior political, government relations, campaigning, advocacy, or organising roles
• Robust understanding of NSW politics: Deep knowledge of the mechanics of Australian politics, particularly NSW Labor, and established relationships with the Minns Government
• Policy and procurement expertise: Proven exposure to or experience with policy development, planning, and procurement processes
• Business and community sector connections: Ability to build strong, high-level relationships beyond politics
• Communication excellence: Ability to write fluently in plain English across a range of styles and formats, using contemporary communication channels
• Stakeholder engagement: High level interpersonal, networking, and relationship management skills
• Organisational capability: Strong planning, administrative, and time management skills in complex environments
• AI awareness: Familiarity with or willingness to embrace AI tools to enhance strategy and engagement

Core Competencies

• Strategy
• Advocacy
• Leadership Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Communication
• Initiative
• Attention to detail
• Judgement
• Diplomacy

You Belong At Burson
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading 'academy company' for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today's leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we're an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That's why it's imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can't do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it's how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

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.

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