Director, Strategic Communications - Financial Services, Public Affairs
Posted December 12, 2022
Apply: FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting Public Affairs practice combines public policy, communications, and sector expertise to offer a unique capability for clients operating at the critical intersection between business and government. The US Public Affairs practice is comprised of 80+ professionals in Washington, DC and across the country, and is led by former House, Senate, White House and federal agency senior staff members, policy experts, press secretaries, journalists, and Congressional and Presidential campaign veterans. We are one of the world's most highly regarded global communications consultancies with a 30-year track record of serving as trusted advisors to management teams and Boards of Directors seeking to seize opportunities, manage crises, navigate market disruptions, articulate their brand, stake a competitive position, and preserve their permission to operate.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Director in our Financial Services Public Affairs practice. The Director will take a leadership role in the management and execution of multi-stakeholder strategic communications activities, which require knowledge of the financial services industry and understanding of the relevant key players, policy issues and recent developments at the Congressional and regulatory level. The Director will provide senior-level counsel and assist clients in developing strategies to mitigate political, regulatory, and reputational risks, while seizing opportunities to promote the client's position, influence and profile in Washington, DC. A successful Director will be confident in an entrepreneurial environment, have the ability to build strong internal and external relationships, effectively manage projects with multiple workstreams, stay abreast of industry developments, help innovate the practice's offerings, and support senior practice leaders with new business opportunities. Success in this role leads to opportunities for advancement to the practice's senior leadership team.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
- The Director manages account teams and projects, leveraging in-depth knowledge of clients' objectives and challenges to oversee the design and execution of innovative strategic communications, public affairs, research and engagement strategies and tactics. Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
- Develop strategic proposals, communications plans, research, analysis and other work product for clients and new business prospects
- Serve as a daily client contact and often act as client lead, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel directly to clients in meetings, conference calls and while working on client sites, as needed
- Oversee project management and document development to ensure deadlines are met and objectives are achieved
- Anticipate client needs and concerns and work proactively with colleagues to address them
- Identify creative ways to engage on core issues and create new opportunities for clients to advocate for key priorities through events, meetings, and partnerships
- Build and/or manage coalitions, maintain relationships with third-party stakeholders, and mobilize like-minded outside groups to advance client priorities
- Drive new business pursuits, including the development of thought leadership, identification of business prospects and ongoing networking on behalf of the firm
- On-the-record media affairs experience with background leading communications strategies, media pitches, writing press releases and op-eds
- Develop, maintain and grow relationships with key Beltway media reporters and outlets to assist clients' Washington amplifications
- Support team training and professional development and serve as a performance manager to junior staff
- Help clients identify and escalate risks in order to act and communicate with integrity
- Understand and live by FTI's values, Code of Ethics and the Strategic Communications Rules of Practice, and works with junior staff to embed these concepts within the firm's culture. (Additional information about FTI's values, Code of Ethics and the Strategic Communications Rules of Practice can be accessed here .)
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of BA/BS from an accredited college or university
- The Director must have at least 5-8 years of financial services strategic, political and/or communications experience gained from working at a public affairs agency, on Capitol Hill, in an Administration or agency, trade association, think tank, campaign, public relations, media, or another relevant field.
- Prior financial services communications experience required, demonstrating a proven track record of successful execution of complex responsibilities and duties and familiarity with major policy issues facing the industry
- Exceptional command of financial services industry is required, including asset management, banks and thrifts, brokerage, financial technology, insurance, payments and processing, private equity, and specialty finance
- Proficient in developing and executing communications strategies intended to raise a client or principal's profile as well mitigate or balance negative coverage
- Track record of managing communications effectively with diverse financial services stakeholders in politically charged and/or crisis situations
- Ability to advise and secure confidence of senior communications and C-level client contacts, as well as other outside consultants, advisors, and organizations
- Proven project management experience and comfort managing and working with staff at all levels
- Ability to work under pressing deadlines across multiple projects and portray calm in the face of difficult situations to clients and other team members
- Existing relationships within the political and advocacy space is desirable
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail and a service-oriented attitude
- Excellent time management, organizational, written and verbal presentation skills
- Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s)
*Individuals seeking an exemption from this requirement for medical or religious reasons should complete a request for accommodation form and submit the form to your recruiter.
Our Benefits
Apart from the well-structured career path and excellent team environment, our employees enjoy a variety of perks and benefits. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Competitive salary and bonus plans
- Generous paid holidays, time off and parental leave
- Full package of benefits plans
- Company matched 401K
- Annual paid volunteer hours
- Corporate matching for charitable donations
- Potential for flexible working arrangements
- Free snacks and drinks
- Upscale offices close to public transportation
- Pet insurance
About FTI Consulting
What makes us unique? With more than 6,250 employees located in offices in every corner of the globe, we are the firm our clients call when their most important issues are at stake. Regardless of what level you are, you will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from top experts in your field on high-profile engagements that impact history. Our culture is collaborative, and we value diversity, recognition, development and making a difference in our communities.
FTI Consulting is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and has been recognized as a Best Firm to Work For by Consulting magazine and one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes . For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter ( @FTIConsulting ), Facebook and LinkedIn .
FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
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