Director, M&A and Activism Communications

About the role

We are currently looking for a Director to join our M&A, Activism and Governance team. The Director will be expected to be a key team member on client engagements related to friendly and hostile M&A, IPOs, spin-offs, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, activism defense preparation, proxy contests, short attacks, ESG activism and shareholder proposals, among other special situations. The practice engages with all FTI Strategic Communications offerings, so the individual will be expected to have an interest in cross-stakeholder communications and be able to work collaboratively across practices.

Responsibilities

• Have a thorough understanding of each client’s business, market, investment thesis, culture and communications practices across IR, PR and Public Affairs
• Serve as a key project manager on high intensity, fast moving situations with an ability to coordinate across functional areas (PR, IR, digital, public affairs, global regions, etc.) keeping account leads, clients and the broader team aware of deliverables, strategy and timelines
• Write, revise and manage a range of key documents such as strategy memos, multi-stakeholder communications, social media copy, press releases and investor presentations
• Engage with sell-side analysts and investors on behalf of clients, as directed
• Collaborate with equivalent practitioners from legal and financial advisers, as well as proxy solicitors
• Remain flexible to adapt to supporting the account needs
• Perform detailed and accurate research to underpin all client projects and deliverables as well as develop and deliver best practice policies and programs
• Work with colleagues in other practices to ensure the execution of a cohesive, multi-disciplinary communications program
• Support the development of the practice itself by being an enthusiastic partner, staying up to speed on emerging best practices, demonstrating creativity in how the team can evolve and helping the team stay informed on competitor activity
• Work with colleagues to produce business pitch materials and create tailored sales presentations
• Identify opportunities and proactively initiate efforts to market the practice through thought leadership, research, prospecting or networking

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4+ years of relevant post-graduate professional experience
• 2+ years of experience in transactions or shareholder activism communications
• Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s)

Preferred Qualifications

• Agency background with a focus on capital markets, corporate communications or investor relations, strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills – both in a large group and smaller meetings
• Proven advanced writing skills, particularly with complex documents and persuasive messaging such as proposals, press releases, op-eds, research reports, etc.
• Ability to concisely articulate and competently support a company’s core narrative
• Analytical skills to identify and diagnose key issues, misperceptions and factors impacting a company’s perception (valuation, governance, reputation) as well as the communications solutions to fix/mitigate them
• Developed ability to multi-task across client programs, firm initiatives and sales opportunities
• Capacity to adjust behavior to meet client needs and personalities and to establish positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals both internally and externally
• Proficient skills in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Proficient in Factset, Ipreo, Factiva and Refinitiv