Full-Time

Managing Director

Posted on 10/1/2025

Penta Group

Penta Group

201-500 employees

Data-driven stakeholder strategy consulting

Compensation Overview

$205k - $300k/yr

+ Annual Incentive Bonus

Washington, DC, USA

Hybrid

Downtown DC on-site 4 days/week; remote option Fridays; greater DC area eligible.

Category
Consulting (2)
,
Required Skills
Communications
Public Policy
Financial analysis
Word/Pages/Docs
Journalism
Political Science
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides
Requirements
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Political Science/Government, Business, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field
  • 15+ years of professional experience in communications or policy roles in a related field: political campaign, Hill, Administration, consultancy, nonprofit or corporate enterprise; experience working in a client service environment preferred
  • 10+ years leading, mentoring, and motivating multiple talented, high-achieving teams at once, empowering different types of personalities with a team-first mentality
  • Significant experience in crisis or issues management, media relations, and public affairs campaigns
  • Demonstrated expertise in principal or client management, adept at building long-standing relationships with executive level stakeholders
  • Comfort in leading internal and external stakeholders through collaborative problem solving in high pressure environments amidst ambiguity
  • Expertise and interest in a relevant policy field (ideally technology, financial services, transportation, food/agriculture, healthcare and/or energy); familiarity with politics, the legislative process, and corporate industries
  • Strong analytical skills coupled with excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
  • Willingness to learn new skills and participate in new projects, leading by example and embracing new challenges
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Preferred but not required: Significant experience in performing financial or economic analysis; in-depth knowledge of capital markets, financial institutions, asset management, hedge funds, etc.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee existing client work and overall project success by developing a strong, trusted relationship with client leads
  • The managing director is expected to maintain project profitability and integrate cross-functional teams and services where applicable
  • Lead development and articulation of strategy for each client and/or project, taking client issues from problem to solution to strategy
  • Provide clients with confidence and structured responses to their needs as they develop
  • Set and hold a high bar for execution and client deliverables, establishing standards, systems, and processes that ensure seamless communication and high-quality outputs
  • Train and provide real-time constructive feedback to teams, with a particular focus on developing directors into strong project managers
  • Manage upward to partners, informing them of challenges and opportunities with teams and clients
  • Oversee team execution of bespoke public affairs strategies for clients that may include stakeholder mapping and engagement, media relations, event planning, message development, collateral development, and more
  • Maintain relationships with key reporters, producers, think tanks, academics, etc
  • Develop strong strategic relationships internally and externally
  • Internally, this means surfacing internal challenges related to staffing, execution, culture, and training and proposing solutions that align with Penta's culture of ownership, empathy, and innovation
  • Externally, this means building and maintaining strong outside relationships
Desired Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Political Science/Government, Business, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field
  • 15+ years of professional experience in communications or policy roles in a related field: political campaign, Hill, Administration, consultancy, nonprofit or corporate enterprise; experience working in a client service environment preferred
  • 10+ years leading, mentoring, and motivating multiple talented, high-achieving teams at once, empowering different types of personalities with a team-first mentality
  • Significant experience in crisis or issues management, media relations, and public affairs campaigns
  • Demonstrated expertise in principal or client management, adept at building long-standing relationships with executive level stakeholders
  • Comfort in leading internal and external stakeholders through collaborative problem solving in high pressure environments amidst ambiguity
  • Expertise and interest in a relevant policy field (ideally technology, financial services, transportation, food/agriculture, healthcare and/or energy); familiarity with politics, the legislative process, and corporate industries
  • Strong analytical skills coupled with excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
  • Willingness to learn new skills and participate in new projects, leading by example and embracing new challenges
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Preferred but not required: Significant experience in performing financial or economic analysis; in-depth knowledge of capital markets, financial institutions, asset management, hedge funds, etc.

Penta provides data-driven solutions for stakeholder strategy and engagement through consulting and analytics to help clients define, inform, and strengthen decision-making and relationships with stakeholders. It blends analytics, research, and deep issue and communications expertise, using proprietary technology to turn data into actionable insights and clear recommendations. The firm differentiates itself by offering end-to-end services with a global footprint, focusing on managing reputational risk and navigating regulatory scrutiny rather than offering only one component like analytics or advisory. Its goal is to help clients understand and manage stakeholder perceptions, reduce reputational and regulatory risks, and make better strategic decisions that lead to measurable results.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Founded

2022

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Shamrock Capital acquisition in 2026 enables cross-selling to media clients.
  • FIO360 acquisition adds Adam Weiss as Partner, enhancing policy intelligence.
  • 12 global offices capture demand in regulated markets like Europe and Asia.

What critics are saying

  • Shamrock imposes 20-30% staff cuts within 18 months post-buyout.
  • Brunswick Group's AI tools capture 10-15% of Penta's financial clients by 2027.
  • EU AI Act bans Penta's predictive profiling, fining 6% of revenue in 2028.

What makes Penta Group unique

  • Penta pioneered comprehensive stakeholder solutions combining AI analytics and advisory services.
  • Proprietary data products generate 50% of fees from recurring information services.
  • Serves majority of Fortune 50 companies across financial services and healthcare.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Parental Leave

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Phone/Internet Stipend

Professional Development Budget

Company News

MrWeb Ltd
Oct 9th, 2025
Daily Research News Online no. 38891 - Buy Adds Washington Partner for Penta Group

Stakeholder solutions company Penta Group has announced the acquisition of strategic advisory firm FIO360, whose founder Adam Weiss joins Penta as a Partner, based in Washington, D.C.Penta combines analytics, research and advisory services to help clients understand, engage and influence their key audiences. Weiss launched FIO360 in 2019, providing clients with advisory services and a data-driven framework to anticipate challenges, align positioning, and deliver measurable outcomes. Penta says the buy strengthens its corporate affairs and stakeholder intelligence capabilities, including its ability to help clients manage risk, protect reputations, and advance business priorities in complex operating environments. 'Adam brings a unique ability to turn potential headwinds into clear strategies that both reduce risk and create opportunity,' says CEO Matt McDonald. 'The integration of FIO360 enhances Penta's ability to deliver data-led solutions that connect corporate strategy to the realities of policy and public opinion.' Weiss (pictured) states: 'Joining Penta allows us to scale what we built at FIO360. In today's environment, corporate affairs must be data-led and insight-driven. Outcomes are shaped not only by regulators and competitors but also by civil society and public expectations. Penta's model gives clients the clarity, strategy, and execution needed to both protect and advance what matters most to their business.' Web site: www.pentagroup.com .

S&P Global
Aug 7th, 2025
Shamrock Capital Acquires Penta Group

Shamrock Capital Advisors acquired Penta Group from Falfurrias Management Partners. Canaccord Genuity and McGuireWoods advised Falfurrias and Penta, while BrightTower and Morrison & Foerster advised Shamrock. Additionally, TowerBrook Capital invested in Amylu Foods, with Sidley Austin advising TowerBrook and J.P. Morgan and Winston & Strawn advising Amylu. Other deals include investments by Platte River Equity, PPC Enterprises, CCMP Growth Advisors, and OEP Capital Advisors.

PR Newswire
Aug 7th, 2025
Shamrock Capital Acquires Penta Group, the World's First Full-Scale Stakeholder Communications and Reputation Intelligence Firm

/PRNewswire/ -- Shamrock Capital ("Shamrock"), a Los Angeles-based investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment, content, communications, sports,...

Axios
Aug 7th, 2025
Shamrock Capital Acquires Penta Group

Shamrock Capital, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, has acquired Penta Group, a stakeholder management firm in Washington, D.C. Falfurrias Capital Partners, which held a majority stake since 2021, has exited the investment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition marks the latest private equity activity in the communications advisory sector.

PR Newswire
Mar 3rd, 2025
Spoton 2025 Restaurant Business Report Outlines The Financial Gaps And Opportunities For Growth In Restaurants

SpotOn's latest report highlights economic pressures, pricing struggles, and funding challenges—and the strategies restaurants can use to thrive in a changing market.SAN FRANCISCO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpotOn, a leading software and payments partner for restaurants and small businesses, today unveiled its 2025 Restaurant Business Report, revealing the financial challenges restaurant operators face and the opportunities to strengthen their businesses. While economic pressures persist, the report highlights that with the right tools and insights, operators can take control of their financial future in 2025 to strengthen profitability and position their businesses for long-term success.SpotOn 2025 Restaurant Business Report Outlines the Financial Gaps and Opportunities for Growth in Restaurants SpotOn 2025 Restaurant Business Report Outlines the Financial Gaps and Opportunities for Growth in RestaurantsSpotOn worked with Penta to conduct a nationwide survey of 200 independent and chain restaurant operators to better understand the state of financial literacy among US operators in major markets including including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Miami, Denver, and Detroit.Key Findings from the 2025 SpotOn Financial Literacy ReportEconomic Pressures Are Rising : 93% of operators are concerned about the impact of rising interest rates on their business, while nearly 1 in 3 worry about financial stability in 2025. Independent operators feel the squeeze the most.: 93% of operators are concerned about the impact of rising interest rates on their business, while nearly 1 in 3 worry about financial stability in 2025. Independent operators feel the squeeze the most. Financial Systems Need an Overhaul : While 99% of operators agree that strong financial management is critical, 84% say their current systems need improvement, and nearly half admit they should spend more time on financial tracking but struggle to do so.: While 99% of operators agree that strong financial management is critical, 84% say their current systems need improvement, and nearly half admit they should spend more time on financial tracking but struggle to do so

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