Senior Director, Public Affairs - Financial Services

FTI Consulting•Washington, DC

3d•$134,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

FTI Consulting is seeking a Senior Director on the Financial Services team to provide counsel to world-leading financial services firms, including banks, asset managers, asset owners, fintechs, digital assets firms, insurers, and securities exchanges. The role involves leading the development and execution of integrated communications strategies to drive visibility and enhance client brands with US stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Director will lead and advise clients through crisis and issue management across operational challenges, litigation, and legislative/regulatory matters. This position requires strong media relationships, a track record in leading successful media-focused campaigns, and experience managing sensitive client issues. The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious, confident self-starter, capable of organizing and prioritizing demands in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Building trusted advisor relationships with teammates across FTI’s practices globally is critical. The role also involves inspiring and leading people, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality client service, and possessing a commercial mindset to identify and secure new business opportunities for the firm.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in financial services, agency, or journalism, with strong knowledge and network within the financial services industry.
Excellent command of the challenges and opportunities facing the US financial services industry.
Comfortable developing new business and persistent in the pursuit of potential new clients and opportunities.
Subject-matter expertise across the financial services sector.
A media mindset with a voracious appetite to read, research, and make news.
An empathic, team-first leader across daily and long-term accountabilities.
Proven results as a strategic thinker and communications campaign executor.
An extrovert keen to network, meet new people, and collaborate with colleagues and partners.
Attuned to the needs of your audience; a thoughtful writer, editor, and speaker.
Analytical and intellectually curious.
Strong media contacts and ability to develop interpersonal relationships.
Ability to travel to serve clients.
Eagerness to be in FTI’s offices at least three days per week.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with GenAI tools.
Ability to travel to FTI office(s) and client site as needed.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer on a full-time basis; this position does not provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with crypto and digital assets companies, either in-house or in an agency environment.
Management experience including hiring, coaching, and developing direct reports.
Strong executive presence and confident presentation skills.
Proven experience managing or leading responses to reputational issues or crises.
Fluent in media analytics and measurement.

Responsibilities

Provide expert communications, advocacy, positioning and other strategic counsel to clients, including interfacing with the C-suite.
Liaise with the media (traditional news, digital, trade, broadcast, podcasts) to build relationships and shape meaningful, positive external visibility outcomes for clients.
Manage multiple accounts in a dynamic, high-energy environment, ensuring team meets client deadlines, managing billing/hours, and staying up to date on client information.
Bring creative, outside-the-box ideas to clients that highlight the team’s communications skills and the firm’s capabilities.
Maintain relationships with journalists, producers, trade associations, think tanks, and relevant industry leaders to secure platforms for clients and enhance business growth.
Attend conferences and industry events to prospect and network, acting as the face of FTI.
Actively manage, develop, inspire, and motivate the team to excel through in-person collaboration and leadership.
Anticipate potential challenges, evaluate strategies with senior management, and help clients identify and escalate risks to act and communicate with integrity.
Identify emerging opportunities to add value for existing and prospective clients, proactively prospecting and maintaining client relationships, with ownership of a revenue target.