Vice President of Talent & Creator Partnerships

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. WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. More about the role: The Sports, Entertainment & Gaming team at Burson helps clients bring high-impact talent into their communications and marketing-spanning celebrities, athletes, creators, and other high-value partners. This team moves quickly, stays close to culture, and works across the agency to deliver programs that are strategically sound, creatively inspiring, and operationally tight from contracting through execution. We are looking for a Vice President of Talent & Creator Partnerships to lead talent procurement across our portfolio. This is a highly relationship-driven role, based in Los Angeles with broad collaboration across account teams and agency partners. As VP of Talent & Creator Partnerships, you'll lead high-value talent procurement and management across our Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming work-bringing together strategy, creative thinking, and best-in-class dealmaking to deliver impactful partnerships for our clients. This is a highly networked role centered in Los Angeles, where you'll leverage deep relationships across talent agencies and the broader talent ecosystem to source, vet, negotiate, and execute talent engagements that maximize value across channels (PR, social, and beyond). Ideal candidates will have significant talent/creator partnership experience to include branded video content, social platforms, digital media, and the talent management space coupled with the ability to build and maintain relationships across that landscape, leading strategy within larger 360-degree integrated campaigns. What you'll do: Lead end-to-end talent procurement for high value talent across Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming-including macro creators, celebrity talent, athletes, entertainers, and gamers-from discovery and vetting through contracting and execution. Leverage a strong LA-based network (and other celebrity-centered US markets) and relationships with key talent agencies (e.g., CAA, Wasserman and other representatives) to source talent quickly, negotiate effectively, and get deals across the finish line. Partner closely with client, account, and internal legal teams to structure and negotiate contracts that maximize value for clients, including usage rights, likeness, content deliverables, and multi channel distribution. Bring a strong point of view on culture, brand strategy, and talent-advising on who is right for the moment (and why), and proactively recommending pairings or creative approaches that increase impact. Develop smart, talent led program recommendations that align to client objectives and translate into executable plans across PR, social, and broader marketing channels. Collaborate across Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming to field talent requests while helping build scalable systems, processes, and ways of working as the practice grows. Manage talent related budgets and ensure accurate scoping, tracking, and financial stewardship throughout the deal lifecycle. Identify and build relationships with best in class vendors, tools, and partners that support talent sourcing, talent management, and program delivery. Serve as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders by communicating clearly, moving with urgency, and balancing speed with rigor in a fast paced environment. Mentor and support junior team members and cross agency partners, helping develop the next generation of talent focused practitioners. Experience that contributes to success: 10+ years of experience in talent procurement/management, partnerships, and deal-making across sports, entertainment, and culture; agency experience strongly preferred. Proven track record securing and executing high-value talent engagements (e.g., athletes, entertainers, gamers, macro creators), from discovery and vetting through contracting and activation. Strong network and working relationships with major talent agencies and representatives (e.g., CAA, Wasserman and similar) Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with legal and internal stakeholders (account leadership, creative, strategy, influencer/social, production) to negotiate and deliver contracts that maximize usage rights and value across channels (PR, social, production, and amplification). Strategic understanding of the 'right' talent for the moment with ability to confidently recommend talent mixes to that drive client impact. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, and sound judgment in fast-moving, high-stakes situations Experience attracting, mentoring and developing junior talent and contributing to a collaborative, inclusive team culture. Strong project management skills, including managing multiple workstreams and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Burson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. 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. #LI-MG1 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: The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between: $75,000-$180,000 USD 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. When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. 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Created: 2026-03-04