Senior Director, M&A and Activism Communications

FTI Consulting•Washington, DC

37d•$134,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FTI Consulting is seeking a Senior Director to join its M&A, Activism and Governance team. This role involves developing and executing client engagements related to various corporate finance and governance situations, including M&A, IPOs, spin-offs, strategic partnerships, activism defense, proxy contests, and ESG activism. The Senior Director will collaborate across FTI's Strategic Communications offerings, work with senior-level clients, and participate in new business development, including pitching and networking. The role also contributes to practice development, marketing, best practice development, recruitment, and team culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
5+ years of relevant post-graduate professional experience
Ability to travel to clients and to FTI office(s) as needed
Excellent written and oral presentation skills – both in a large group and smaller meetings
Proven advanced writing skills, particularly with complex documents and persuasive messaging such as proposals, press releases, op-eds, research reports, etc.
Ability to concisely articulate and competently support a company’s core narrative
Analytical skills to identify and diagnose key issues, misperceptions and factors impacting a company’s perception (valuation, governance, reputation) as well as the communications solutions to fix/mitigate them
Ability to learn new concepts quickly and possess a service-oriented attitude
Demonstrated history of project management during a major corporate event
Developed ability to multi-task across client programs, firm initiatives and sales opportunities
Ability to recognize, explore and use a broad range of ideas and practices, thinking logically and creatively without influence from personal bias
Capacity to adjust behavior to meet client needs and personalities and to establish positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals both internally and externally
Ability to execute a project from concept to conclusion and assist with managing all levels of employees, including support staff, peers and senior managers
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to effectively utilize AI tools to enhance productivity
Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
Proficient skills in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
Proficient in Factset, Ipreo, Factiva and Refinitiv

Nice To Haves

Agency background with a focus on capital markets, corporate communications or investor relations, strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute client engagements related to friendly and hostile M&A, IPOs, spin-offs, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, activism defense preparation, proxy contests, short attacks, ESG activism and shareholder proposals, among other special situations.
Engage with all FTI Strategic Communications offerings, demonstrating an interest in cross-stakeholder communications and collaborative work across practices.
Service and advise clients, with comfort advising senior-level clients (e.g., head of communications, head of investor relations).
Participate in new business development initiatives, including directly pitching engagements and networking among potential referral sources.
Support the marketing of the practice internally and externally.
Contribute to the development of best practices and support the recruitment of new team members.
Set a culture for the team.
Have a thorough understanding of each client’s business, market, investment thesis, culture and communications practices across IR, PR and Public Affairs.
Serve as a lead project manager on high intensity, fast moving situations with an ability to coordinate across functional areas (PR, IR, digital, public affairs, global regions, etc.) keeping account leads, clients and the broader team aware of deliverables, strategy and timelines.
Write and revise a range of key documents such as strategy memos, multi-stakeholder communications, social media copy, press releases and investor presentations.
Work with reporters on behalf of clients, as directed.
Engage with sell-side analysts and investors on behalf of clients, as directed.
Collaborate with equivalent practitioners from legal, financial and proxy advisers.
Remain flexible to adapt to supporting the account needs.
Perform detailed and accurate research to underpin all client projects and deliverables as well as develop and deliver best practice policies and programs.
Work with colleagues in other practices to ensure the execution of a cohesive, multi-disciplinary communications program.
Support the development of the practice itself by being an enthusiastic partner, staying up to speed on emerging best practices, demonstrating creativity in how the team can evolve and helping the team stay informed on competitor activity.
Develop professional networking relationships with corporate management teams, investment bankers and specialized law firms to drive new business opportunities for FTI.
Work with colleagues to produce business pitch materials, create tailored sales presentations and attend new business pitches.
Take an active role in new business meetings as part of the preliminary pitch team.
Identify opportunities and proactively initiate efforts to market the practice through thought leadership, research, prospecting or networking.