Managing Director

About the role

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.

Opportunity

We are seeking a player-coach leader to run and grow our US Special Situations and Investor Relations (SSIR) business within Edelman Smithfield, requiring a balance of senior client advisory, commercial leadership, and team oversight. This is a unique opportunity to build and own a high-growth strategic advisory practice. You are entrepreneurial, growth-oriented, and plugged into the financial services ecosystems - you know the companies, the key players, the private capital community, and the innovation hubs from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. You thrive at the intersection of strategy, capital markets, and storytelling, and you see market disruption as an opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Drive revenue growth and profitability of the US SSIR practice
• Establish credibility as a senior practitioner and trusted advisor internally and externally
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing team
• Expand key client relationships and originate new business opportunities
• Strengthen the firm’s position as a leading advisor across complex financial situations
• Lead & Advise
• Act as the senior leader of the practice, setting the standard for client work, team development, and overall execution
• Operate as a true player-coach alongside the team
• Oversee the performance of the US SSIR business by setting strategic priorities, driving profitable growth and quality control, leading new business, and executing plans including marketing, hiring and staffing
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Boards and C-suites, guiding them through earnings cycles, investor days, material announcements, M&A, public listings, shareholder activism, and other transformative events
• Shape and deliver high-impact investor narratives that resonate with analysts, investors, and the market
• Lead, mentor and inspire the US SSIR team to consistently deliver high-quality work and deepen client relationships
• Act as integral contributor to Edelman Smithfield group strategy and planning
• Conceive, implement and support initiatives to create positive changes and help others adapt to change
• Build & Grow
• Take ownership of a meaningful revenue base while expanding the practice through new client acquisition and organic growth
• Work closely with firm leadership to shape the strategic direction of the practice and its future growth
• Drive new business development in financial services and adjacent sectors, leveraging your deep network to win marquee accounts
• Collaborate across Edelman’s global network to identify new opportunities and deliver best-in-class solutions
• Complement Edelman Smithfield’s thought leadership presence through content, events, and speaking engagements
• Continuously initiate and lead high-level marketing and networking within our ecosystem to raise our profile and gather intelligence to enhance the counsel we provide to clients

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university is required, MBA or CFA a plus
• Minimum of 15+ years of relevant experience in strategic communications, financial advisory or a related field
• 12+ years of capital markets experience: sell-side, buy-side, in-house IR, or advisory, plus a proven record of strategic counsel to senior executives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating at a senior leadership level with accountability for both commercial performance and team leadership
• Deep financial services knowledge, with connections across corporates, private equity/VC, bankers, and advisors
• Entrepreneurial mindset and track record of building business from the ground up
• Expertise in building and leading high-performing teams across multiple disciplines and regions
• Exceptional communication skills, both in shaping market-moving narratives and in navigating high-stakes conversations
• Experience fostering inclusive team environments and practices
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, opportunity-rich environment
• Possess substantial personal network that is tapped to strengthen the effectiveness of our business development program
• Possesses track record of bringing in new business that drives the growth of Edelman Smithfield
• Ability to “parachute into” complex situations and devise and implement solutions for the client and team

Pay

$400,000-$500,00 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.