Managing Director, Public Affairs | Strategic Communications

FTI Consulting•Washington, DC

3d•$198,000 - $356,500

About The Position

FTI Consulting is seeking a Managing Director to be a key leader in establishing and driving growth in their Public Affairs offering, specifically within the rapidly growing Retail and Consumer Products sector team. This role requires strong business development capabilities, a public affairs background, and the ability to leverage existing networks. The Managing Director will be responsible for bringing in new business, managing and growing existing client accounts, leading teams, and playing a key role in new business pursuits. This individual will provide strategic communications counsel to C-suite executives, develop and execute integrated communications strategies, and draft client materials. A significant part of the role involves coaching and mentoring junior colleagues to ensure team development. The position involves providing expert communications, advocacy, and strategic counsel to clients, managing the quality and delivery of work on multiple accounts, overseeing project management, anticipating client needs, identifying creative engagement opportunities, building coalitions, and managing budgets and invoicing.

Requirements

Minimum of BA/BS from accredited college or university.
10+ years of relevant legislative and / or regulatory experience, issues management, public policy advocacy, communications and/or media affairs experience.
Ability to work under pressing deadlines across multiple projects and portray calm in the face of difficult situations to clients and other team members.
Superior strategic thinking, writing, and presentation skills required.
Outstanding work ethic, high-energy, a team-mindset, and strong time and priority management skills.
Strong proficiency and proven experience working in all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Congressional, Executive Branch, trade association and/or trade journalism experience is beneficial.
Existing relationships within the CPG and retail industry political and advocacy space is desirable.
On-the-record media affairs experience; relationships with industry-focused journalists is preferred.

Responsibilities

Bringing in new business and leveraging existing networks.
Leading and growing business with current clients.
Managing teams and taking a key role in pursuits.
Providing communications counsel to C-suite, corporate affairs, and communications executives.
Developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
Reviewing and drafting a variety of materials for client use.
Actively participating in firm development and new business pursuits.
Coaching and mentoring early and mid-career colleagues.
Providing expert communications, advocacy, positioning, and other strategic counsel to clients.
Managing overall quality and delivery of work on multiple accounts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Overseeing project management efforts on client projects and workstreams, including market research, strategy formation, and content creation.
Anticipating client needs and concerns and working proactively with colleagues to address them.
Identifying creative ways to engage on core issues and create new opportunities for clients to advocate for key priorities.
Building and/or managing coalitions, maintaining relationships with third-party stakeholders, and mobilizing like-minded outside groups.
Overseeing/managing budgets, invoicing, etc.
Generating and leading new business development efforts.
Identifying emerging opportunities to add greater value for clients.
Leading the business development, production, and continuous improvement of client proposals and practice marketing materials.
Recognizing and applying global and regional social, economic, and other impactful policy trends, and translating those insights into actionable ideas.
Growing the Retail and Consumer public affairs practice through marketing and networking.
Developing and maintaining relationships with applicable trade associations, journalists/media outlets, think tanks, and relevant industry leaders.
Effectively leading account teams on complex client communications challenges.
Actively managing, developing, inspiring, and motivating staff to excel.
Anticipating potential challenges and evaluating strategies with senior management.
Working with a growing team across multiple locations to develop project deliverables.
Participating in thought leadership on emerging trends and issues.
Assisting in mentoring, training, and integrating junior/new teammates and interns.
Leading overall client strategy, programming, and execution.