VP, Investor Relations: Shape the Equity Story Globally

First Student; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student seeks a seasoned Vice President of Investor Relations to lead engagement with the investment community, shape the equity story, and advise senior management on market expectations. You will oversee quarterly earnings processes, coordinate with finance, legal, and corporate communications, and guide investor-day events.

The role requires deep capital markets knowledge, executive presence, and 12–15+ years in IR or related fields.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 12-15+ years in investor relations, equity research, corporate finance, investment banking, or buy-side investing with significant IR leadership at a public company.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, valuation methods, and capital markets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, ability to distill complex information into clear messages.
• Executive presence and credibility with senior management, the Board, and the investment community.
• Working knowledge of SEC rules, Regulation FD, and public company disclosure requirements.
• Preferred MBA and/or CFA.
• Prior sell-side or buy-side experience valued for credibility with investors.
• Industry experience relevant to the company's sector.
• Experience with activist defense, Investor Days, M&A communications, or IPO/spin-offs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and equity story aligned with corporate strategy and capital allocation priorities.
• Own earnings process: press release, call script, slides, and Q&A.
• Coordinate with CFO, Controller, FP&A, Legal, and Corporate Communications.
• Shape investor messaging for major corporate events (M&A, divestitures, spin-offs).
• Plan Investor Day events and manage analyst models and coverage.
• Monitor shareholder activity, sentiment, and activist risk with legal teams.
• Collaborate on ESG and governance communications with investors.

Skills

Strong communication

Executive presence

Capital markets knowledge

Leadership in IR

Strategic thinking

Financial statement proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

MBA and/or CFA

Job description

First Student seeks a seasoned Vice President of Investor Relations to lead engagement with the investment community, shape the equity story, and advise senior management on market expectations. You will oversee quarterly earnings processes, coordinate with finance, legal, and corporate communications, and guide investor-day events.

The role requires deep capital markets knowledge, executive presence, and 12–15+ years in IR or related fields.