Director, Governance Corporate Stewardship

Joele Frank • New York, NY

1d • $250,000 - $330,000

About The Position

Joele Frank is a strategic communications firm that advises clients on market-moving transactions, corporate communications, investor relations and reputation management. The Director is a critical member of the Governance & Corporate Stewardship (GCS) team, which provides strategic guidance on corporate governance, shareholder engagement and sustainability reporting. The role works closely with company executives and boards of directors to identify risks and opportunities and develop communications supporting governance and corporate responsibility programs.

The position requires expertise in corporate governance and sustainability, critical assessment of companies’ vulnerabilities and strengths, and the ability to provide strategic advice to senior corporate leaders. The Director leads governance communications and advises clients on shareholder engagement, annual meetings, executive compensation and sustainability reporting. The role also mentors junior team members and contributes to thought leadership, business development and client relationships.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in corporate governance, executive compensation, shareholder engagement or related strategic communications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proxy disclosure, annual meeting and shareholder proposal matters, evolving governance expectations, the regulatory landscape, and institutional investor and proxy advisor perspectives.
• Well-developed critical thinking, exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects under intense pressure and time constraints.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, demonstrate flexibility, adapt to changing priorities and deliver results toward shared goals.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with TCFD, ISSB, SASB, GRI and TNFD reporting frameworks.
• Intellectual curiosity and proactive monitoring of emerging trends, industry developments and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of proxy statements and other governance communications, translating complex compensation, governance and strategic matters into clear investor-facing narratives.
• Counsel clients through contested or high-risk annual meeting situations, including shareholder activism, proxy advisor opposition, vote solicitation challenges, supplemental disclosures, and engagement with institutional investors and proxy advisory firms.
• Serve as a senior client advisor on governance and investor relations issues; anticipate emerging risks and develop strategies to build shareholder support, including annual meeting materials, talking points, investor Q&A, briefing documents and post-engagement follow-up.
• Provide strategic counsel on executive compensation matters, including special and retention awards, performance-based equity programs, incentive plan design, pay-for-performance alignment, and anticipated shareholder and proxy advisor perceptions.
• Mentor and oversee junior team members, review client deliverables, and contribute to thought leadership, business development and client relationship management.
• Provide counsel on corporate sustainability strategies and reporting aligned with long-term business objectives.
• Support the development of corporate sustainability reports, including stakeholder interviews and narrative development, in collaboration with the Design team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed