Director, Public Affairs

Investment Company Institute•Washington, DC

1d•$170,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is seeking a Director, Public Affairs to join its Strategic Communications department. This role is responsible for serving as a spokesperson and media point of contact, specializing in proactive media outreach. Key responsibilities include drafting materials such as talking points, op-eds, statements, and letters to the editor, as well as assisting in the development and execution of media campaigns. The incumbent will also support ICI policy initiatives by promoting the regulated investment fund industry and its viewpoints on relevant policy, industry, and regulatory issues. The Public Affairs team encompasses media relations, social media and digital engagement, website management, and rapid response.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience in policy communication or related field
Strong writing and editing skills with quick turn-around times and the ability to meet deadlines
Self-starter who can take initiative while working closely with the Senior Director, Public Affairs
Ability to rapidly develop in-depth understanding of key issues
Experience in media interview preparation for principals
Ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline
Ability to work collaboratively with the Strategic Communications team and across other departments within ICI
Sound judgment

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of financial services industry, asset management, and retirement policy issues strongly preferred
Previous media, communications, or executive branch/Capitol Hill experience
Experience managing external vendors
Familiarity with financial and trade media
Ability to think creatively and strategically

Responsibilities

Lead daily proactive media efforts, establish relationships with reporters, raise issues, and correct reports where needed.
Monitor media coverage for new contacts, trends, and corrections, and initiate outreach efforts.
Condense and effectively convey messages to the media, both proactively and reactively.
Cultivate and maintain national, trade, and international media relationships.
Serve as an on-the-record media spokesperson when directed.
Handle interview preparation for principals, including message development and coaching.
Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts across various departments.
Collaborate with members of the Strategic Communications team to ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels.
Anticipate potential communication challenges or crisis situations, devising proactive strategies and messaging to mitigate risks and protect the association's reputation.
Draft internal and external talking points, statements, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces.
Collaborate closely with the Editorial team to draft and pitch editorial content advocating policy positions through resource pages, FAQs, backgrounders, and social media.
Assist in developing and implementing media relations strategies that advance Institute policy goals.
Participate in the formulation of ICI’s communications goals and objectives.
Spearhead the management of press materials, including press releases, statements, and press lists, while also overseeing the systematic tracking of media mentions for comprehensive visibility and impact assessment.
Work constructively with other Institute departments in the furtherance of ICI policy objectives.