Vice President / Account Director - Financial Communications

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions.

Edelman Smithfield is seeking a Vice President to lead accounts, teams, and projects for a portfolio of financial industry clients that could include private capital firms, hedge funds, asset managers, investment and commercial banks, fintech companies, real estate investors, insurers, or other institutional market participants. 

This individual must possess a strong comfort level providing strategic counsel to senior executives of capital markets participants including private equity firms, hedge funds, investment managers, and financial markets firms. The candidate also must possess previous media relations experience, preferably with reporters from top-tier financial publications.

Responsibilities:

• Lead client accounts and assignments, effectively drawing from relevant Edelman teams and resources to deliver best-in-class service

• Lead and/or contribute to pitches and new business efforts focused on financial communications opportunities or integrated assignments

• Lead financial communications marketing and prospecting efforts to identify new opportunities, including developing thought leadership and IP

• Serve as relationship lead for C-suite client-side executives, as well as clients who manage communications and marketing functions

• Collaborate with Edelman Smithfield and Edelman colleagues across offices to identify ways to bring financial communications services to Edelman clients

• Ensure account teams are proactive and highly responsive to client needs, anticipating upcoming deliverables and taking accountability for proper execution

• Ensure junior staff is trained, supportive of team efforts and paying sufficient attention to detail

• Collaborate with Edelman Smithfield colleagues in the US and globally to further develop and grow the global practice

• Build awareness of Edelman Smithfield with potential referral sources

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, journalism, public policy, communications, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in financial communications

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Understanding of the financial regulatory environment 

• A strong network and a track record of getting things done

• Deep understanding of how companies can more effectively communicate to their financial audiences

• Strong comfort level in counseling senior executives of clients operating in the capital markets space on communications matters

• Strong media relations experience, including existing top-tier relationships

• Experience with high intensity corporate assignments

• Experience and facility in new business development and marketing

• Track record of training talent and creating new offerings for clients

• Strong writing, presentation and analytical skills

• Organized, proactive and self-motivated; anticipate upcoming client projects and deliverables

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills. Innate desire to provide excellent service to clients

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

DJEH offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing.

DJEH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the employment process, please let us know.