Senior Director, Crisis Communications - Cybersecurity & Data Privacy | Multiple Locations

FTI Consulting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive total compensation including bonuses

Full benefits package

Generous paid time off

401(k) matching

Flexible work arrangements

Employee wellness platform

Professional development programs

Job summary

FTI Consulting is seeking a Senior Director for the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications team based in Chicago, Illinois. This role requires strong leadership in crisis communications strategies and managing client relationships during cybersecurity incidents. Ideal candidates will have at least 10 years of experience in crisis management, cybersecurity, and direct client service. The job includes strategic proposal development and team management with a focus on professional growth and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10 years of crisis/issues management and cybersecurity experience.
• Prior consulting or agency experience is essential.
• Ability to advise C-level client contacts.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic communication plans for clients.
• Project manage multiple workstreams and client approval processes.
• Manage teams during live incidents.

Skills

Crisis management

Cybersecurity experience

Project management

Client service

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Project management tools

AI tools

Job description

About The Role

A successful Senior Director on the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications team will play a leadership role in developing and managing crisis communications response strategies for companies facing active cybersecurity attacks or threats. Additionally, this position will lead cybersecurity communications preparedness projects, tabletop exercises, and other specialized offerings within the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Communications practice.

As part of a team, the Senior Director will oversee the execution of multi‑stakeholder communications activities for clients experiencing cybersecurity incidents such as ransomware attacks, nation‑state attacks, incidents involving critical infrastructure and other key operational disruptions, attacks on major Fortune 500 corporations, among others. The Senior Director is a primary client counselor and must be able to function as the client‑facing leader for project teams and be comfortable interacting with C‑suite, external counsel, and other third‑party partners who play a critical role on an incident response team. Additionally, this role requires excellent project management skills and the ability to oversee and drive forward multiple workstreams for large‑scale cyber incident response engagements, often across multiple geographies.

The Senior Director will also be expected to identify potential new business opportunities with new and existing clients; develop and foster relationships with law firms and other third‑party referral sources; and participate in marketing and thought leadership opportunities on behalf of the team and firm.

What You'll Do

• Develop strategic proposals and communications plans for clients and new business prospects.
• Serve as a primary client contact, providing strategic counsel directly to clients in meetings, conference calls and while working on client sites.
• Project manage multiple workstreams, client/legal approval processes and document development to ensure deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Manage teams and processes as they relate to tracking and triaging client’s stakeholder inquiries (media, employees, customers, regulators, etc.) during live incidents.
• Work with peers across borders on incidents that require a 24x7 follow‑the‑sun approach to managing the crisis.
• Anticipate client needs and concerns and proactively address them.
• Work with other senior leaders to make staffing decisions on various accounts.
• Drive new business pursuits, including the development of thought leadership, identification of business prospects and ongoing networking on behalf of the firm.
• Support team training and professional development and serve as a performance manager to select junior staff.
• Manage profitability and utilization on multiple projects and accounts.
• Understand and live by FTI's values, Code of Ethics and the Strategic Communications Rules of Practice, and work with junior staff to embed these concepts within the firm's culture (additional information can be accessed here).

How You'll Grow

We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on‑the‑job learning, self‑guided professional development courses and certifications. You'll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth.

As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.

What You Will Need To Succeed

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10 years of crisis/issues management and/or cybersecurity experience in relevant roles serving clients and developing new business.
• Prior client service, consulting, agency experience is a must.
• Ability to advise and secure confidence of senior communications and C‑level client contacts, as well as outside legal counsel and other advisors.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and written and verbal presentation skills.
• Proven project management track record and comfort managing and working with staff at all levels.
• Proficient in creating project plans, rollouts and roadmaps as well as using various AI and project management tools.
• Experience in cybersecurity and data privacy matters.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail and a service‑oriented attitude.
• Ability to work under pressing deadlines and portray calm during high‑stakes situations to clients and other team members.
• Track record of managing communications with multiple stakeholders (investors, employees, customers, media, etc.) during crisis events.
• Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s).

Total Wellbeing

• Competitive total compensation, including bonus earning potential.
• Full package of benefits plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Company matched 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements.
• Generous paid parental leave with available planning tools, virtual expert coaching services and flex return support.
• Family care benefits, including backup child/elder care.
• Employee wellness platform.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Paid time off for volunteering in your community.
• Corporate matching for charitable donations most important to you.
• Make an impact in our communities through company sponsored pro bono work.
• Professional development and certification programs.
• Free in‑office snacks and drinks.
• Free smartphone and cellular plan (if applicable).
• FTI Perks & Discounts at retailers and businesses.
• Upscale offices close to public transportation.

About FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of December 31, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting's services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.80 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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. United States – New York – New York.