Managing Director, Public Affairs | Strategic Communications

FTI Consulting, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 198,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

FTI Consulting Public Affairs in Washington, DC seeks a Managing Director to lead client accounts, drive business development, and mentor teams across retail and consumer sectors. You will deliver integrated communications strategies, manage multiple priorities, and provide executive-level counsel.

The role requires a track record in public affairs, strong writing and stakeholder engagement, and the ability to grow client relationships while guiding junior staff to success.

Qualifications

• Basic qualifications include a BA/BS from an accredited college or university and 10+ years of legislative, regulatory, issues management, public policy advocacy, or media affairs experience.
• Existing relationships in the CPG and retail political/advocacy space are desirable and beneficial for client work.
• Strong writing, presentation skills and ability to work under deadlines with multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Client Service Strategic Counsel: providing expert communications, advocacy, positioning and other strategic counsel to clients
• Account Management: managing overall quality and delivery of work on multiple accounts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Oversee project management efforts on client projects and workstreams, including market research, strategy formation, and content creation, such as conducting a multi-stakeholder materiality assessment
• Anticipate client needs and concerns and work proactively with colleagues to address them
• Identify creative ways to engage on core issues and create new opportunities for clients to advocate for key priorities through events, meetings, and partnerships
• Build and/or manage coalitions, maintain relationships with third-party stakeholders, and mobilize like-minded outside groups to advance client priorities

Skills

Client service

Account management

Project management

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Relationship building

Public affairs

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations. At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by-side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you. Are you ready to make your impact?

FTI Consulting Public Affairs

The US Public Affairs practice is comprised of 80+ professionals in Washington, DC and across the country, and is led by former House, Senate, White House and federal agency senior staff members, policy experts, press secretaries, journalists, and Congressional and Presidential campaign veterans. Our practitioners possess highly relevant public and government affairs experience and deep subject matter expertise in energy, industrials, health care, financial services, and technology. Together with our Financial Communications, Crisis and Litigation, and Corporate Reputation practices, we are uniquely qualified to help clients navigate complex challenges at the intersection of government and business.

About The Role

We provide our clients with a comprehensive suite of strategic communications services that leverage our integrated offering, including financial communications, corporate reputation, transaction communications and public affairs in all the major markets around the world. Our Retail and Consumer Products sector team is growing quickly and we are looking for a Managing Director to be a key leader in establishing our Public Affairs offering, driving that growth by leveraging their own network and contributing to sector development initiatives. The ideal candidate has strong capabilities in developing business, which is underpinned by a public affairs background. This person will both leverage their own book of business to help lead business development efforts while also handling day-to-day management of client accounts and firm initiatives. A successful Managing Director will be responsible for bringing in business, leading and growing business with current clients, managing teams, and take a key role in pursuits. This individual will interact with and provide communications counsel to C-suite, corporate affairs and communications executives; develop and execute integrated communications strategies to deliver results and meet client expectations; review and draft a variety of materials for client use; and actively participate in firm development and new business pursuits to help grow the sector. Coaching and mentoring early and mid-career colleagues is an important part of the Managing Director role to ensure all team members have the skills and tools to perform well at their level.

• Client Service Strategic Counsel: providing expert communications, advocacy, positioning and other strategic counsel to clients
• Account Management: managing overall quality and delivery of work on multiple accounts in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Oversee project management efforts on client projects and workstreams, including market research, strategy formation, and content creation, such as conducting a multi-stakeholder materiality assessment
• Anticipate client needs and concerns and work proactively with colleagues to address them
• Identify creative ways to engage on core issues and create new opportunities for clients to advocate for key priorities through events, meetings, and partnerships
• Build and/or manage coalitions, maintain relationships with third-party stakeholders, and mobilize like-minded outside groups to advance client priorities
• Exhibit commercial excellence: overseeing/managing budgets, invoicing, etc.

Business Development

• Generate and lead new business development efforts
• Identify emerging opportunities to add greater value for clients
• Lead the business development, production, and continuous improvement of client proposals and practice marketing materials
• Recognize and apply global and regional social, economic and other impactful policy trends, and translating those insights into actionable ideas
• Grow the Retail and Consumer public affairs practice through marketing and networking to showcase the expertise of FTI public affairs and sector professionals; and
• Possess, develop and maintain relationships with applicable trade associations, journalists/media outlets, think tanks and relevant industry leaders to enhance and grow business.

Practice Leadership

• Effectively lead account teams on complex client communications challenges
• Actively manage, develop, inspire, and motivate staff to excel
• Anticipate potential challenges and evaluate strategies with senior management
• Work with a growing team across multiple locations to develop project deliverables
• Participate in thought leadership on emerging trends and issues
• Assist in mentoring, training, and integrating junior/ new teammates and interns
• Lead overall client strategy, programming and execution

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Basic Qualifications 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 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 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; and Strong proficiency and proven experience working in all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Compensation Minimum Pay:$198,000.00 Maximum Pay:$356,500.00

Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual’s location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications.

FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

With more than 8,100+ employees located in 32 countries and territories around the globe, we are the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. Our experts have led organizations, shaped policy, driven investigations, managed crises, advised world leaders and built businesses from the ground up.

Learn more about the work we do and how we’re helping clients around the world turn their biggest challenges and opportunities into stories of success. Learn more about our impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our people can grow and achieve their full potential. To learn more about FTI Consulting, visit www.fticonsulting.com/careers and connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn.