Director of Communications and Public Relations

Wachsman; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Wachsman, a global communications and strategy consultancy, seeks a senior leader to guide the US practice from Manhattan. You will oversee strategic client counsel, commercial development, and team leadership.

As Director equivalent, you will build relationships with ambitious companies, deliver integrated communications strategies across media and executive positioning, and drive growth in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications experience, including PR agency work.
• Proven track record in strategic communications for financial services and fintech.
• Experience leading senior client relationships and cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop integrated communications strategies across media, executive positioning, and thought leadership.
• Willingness to attend in-person meetings in Manhattan on short notice.

Responsibilities

• Grow US business by identifying and converting new opportunities and expanding client relationships.
• Manage commercial health of client portfolios, including retention and profitability.
• Build and maintain senior industry relationships to support business development.
• Lead and develop the US team, fostering accountability and high performance.
• Provide leadership across client teams and ensure high standards of counsel and delivery.
• Collaborate with global offices to deliver integrated programmes and cross-regional opportunities.
• Advise founders, CEOs, and executives on positioning, strategy, and complex challenges.
• Connect communications strategy to broader commercial objectives like fundraising, market entry, regulation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technology and continuously develop professionally.

Skills

Communications leadership

New business development

Strategic communications

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Crisis communications

Media relations

Financial services / fintech Familiar

Job description

Wachsman is a global communications and strategy consultancy focused on advising the leaders of the new economy. Born in the blockchain industry, it is a critical partner to companies working across fintech and digital payments, banking, asset management, and B2B/B2C technology.

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded communications leader to join our US leadership team and play a central role in the continued growth of Wachsman's business. This role is referred to as a Director in Wachsman's organizational structure, but it is equivalent to a Vice President or Senior Vice President at other agencies.

This is a senior leadership position combining strategic client counsel, commercial development, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and deepening relationships with ambitious companies and their leadership teams, delivering exceptional strategic communications advice, and identifying opportunities to grow our business.

Working closely with colleagues across our international offices, the Director will help strengthen Wachsman's position as a leading communications and strategic advisory partner to companies operating at the forefront of financial services and emerging technologies.

We are looking for someone who combines exceptional communications expertise with commercial ambition, strong leadership capabilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Candidates must be based in or near Manhattan and be able to attend in-person meetings at short notice.

Duties and Aptitudes:

• Play a leading role in growing Wachsman's US business, identifying and converting new business opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, and contributing to the commercial performance of the practice.
• Take responsibility for the commercial health of a portfolio of client accounts, including client retention, revenue growth, profitability, and effective resource allocation.
• Build and maintain a network of senior industry relationships that support business development, strategic partnerships, and Wachsman's wider market positioning.
• Play a central role in building and developing Wachsman's US team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, high performance, and professional development.
• Provide leadership across client teams, supporting senior colleagues in developing their management capabilities and ensuring consistently high standards of strategic counsel and client delivery.
• Work closely with colleagues across Wachsman's global offices to deliver integrated client programmes, share specialist expertise, and identify cross-regional commercial opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted strategic adviser to founders, CEOs, and senior executives, providing counsel on corporate positioning, reputation, communications strategy, and complex business challenges.
• Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships by connecting communications strategy to broader commercial objectives, including fundraising, market entry, regulatory developments, corporate transactions, and business transformation.
• Staying abreast of emerging technology and recognizing opportunities to continuously develop themselves professionally.

Skills & Requirements:

• 10+ years of communications experience, with significant PR agency experience being essential.
• Strong experience in strategic communications within financial services, fintech, emerging technologies, or other complex and highly regulated sectors. Familiarity with digital assets, blockchain, AI, and capital markets would be advantageous.
• Proven track record of driving new business development, confidently leading prospect meetings and pitches, building senior-level relationships, and converting opportunities into agency growth.
• Exceptional work ethic and motivated to excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead sophisticated, integrated communications strategies spanning earned media, executive positioning, corporate reputation, thought leadership, and issues management.
• Experience leading substantial client relationships and managing teams.
• Strategic-thinking skills, and the ability to handle and tactfully manage stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to identify opportunities for clients.
• Excellent knowledge of the media landscape.
• Ability to prioritize and plan effectively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Excellent interpersonal/soft skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of social, organizational, and professional standards in job-related activities.

This is a management position.

This is a full-time, exempt position.

Though we aim to include as much detail as possible in our job postings, this job description does not include all potential tasks and responsibilities for this role. Responsibilities may change, or new ones may be assigned throughout your employment as needed.

We have a market-based compensation structure. The salary for this position may vary based on a candidate’s experience, industry expertise and technical skills. The anticipated salary range for the position is $170,000 - $220,000.