Senior Associate Director, Financial Communications (Private Capital)

Job-ID: 1734Category: ConsultingLocation: New York, NY, United StatesPosted: 2026-11-05Senior Associate Director, Financial Communications (Private Capital)We are seeking a Senior Associate Director to help grow APCO's Capital Markets and Financial work with private capital clients across asset classes, including private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real assets, as well as supporting their portfolio companies. This is a senior client-facing role for a sophisticated operator who serves as a primary counselor to private investment firms, IR teams, and portfolio company leadership across the full lifecycle of private markets activity, from fundraising and platform investments through bolt-ons, value creation, and exits.The work moves quickly, the stakes are high, and the situations are often material and non-public. We’re looking for someone with deep private markets knowledge, sharp advisory instincts, commercial acumen, and the judgment to give the right counsel under real-time pressure.This position is based in APCO's New York office.ResponsibilitiesServes as a senior client lead and trusted counselor to private capital clients, including GPs, CCOs, IR leads, and portfolio company CEOs and CFOs, building trusted relationships and anticipating client needs.Brings strong advisory and consulting instincts to the work, frames decisions clearly, and gives senior clients counsel they can act onQuarterbacks integrated, multi-disciplinary teams across communications, public affairs, regulatory, crisis, and digital workstreamsDevelops and executes communications strategies across the private markets lifecycle: firm positioning and brand building, fund launches and final closes, platform acquisitions, add-on transactions, recapitalizations, exits and IPOs of portfolio companies, LP communications support, and ESG/responsible investing narrativesLeads media strategy and execution with top-tier business/financial media and key industry tradesCounsels clients through sensitive moments including activist campaigns, take-privates, contested transactions, regulatory inquiries, portfolio company crises and reputational issues, including on-site support as situations requirePartners with APCO's public affairs, regulatory, and crisis colleagues to bring integrated counsel on policy and political dynamics affecting private capitalOversees complex client engagements from strategy through execution, maintaining accountability for quality, deliverables, timelines, staffing, budgets, scopes of work, and account profitabilityDrives new business across the private capital ecosystem, including RFP responses, pitches and proactive prospecting; cultivates relationships, identifies opportunities to expand existing client relationships, and contributes to thought leadership that strengthens APCO’s market positionBuilds and mentors team members; helps shape the practice's growth trajectory and go-to-market strategyQualificationsBachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Graduate degree preferred8–12 years of relevant experience in financial communications, with substantial direct experience advising private capital firms, and/or their portfolio companies. Agency, in-house sponsor communications/IR, or business journalism transitioning into communications all consideredEstablished and actively maintained relationships with senior reporters and editors covering private markets, M&A, and capital markets at top-tier outletsExperience supporting a range of private markets situations, including fund launches, platform deals, exits, take-privates, IPOs, activist defense, restructurings, regulatory matters and crisesDemonstrated ability to originate new opportunities, grow existing client relationships and contribute meaningfully to new business; an established network within the private capital ecosystem strongly preferredSophisticated understanding of GP/LP dynamics, fund structures, deal mechanics, and sponsor reputational driversExperience across sectors such as technology, financial services, healthcare, industrials, or energy and infrastructure is a plusFamiliarity with the policy and regulatory environment shaping private capital, including CFIUS, antitrust, tax and SEC regulation, is a plusExceptional writing, analytical and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into clear counsel for senior audiencesDetail-oriented, responsive to a rapidly changing environment, able to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines, and proactive in anticipating client needs, solving problems and setting prioritiesDiscretion and judgment appropriate to handling material non-public informationStrong commercial acumen, professional polish, client-service orientation and an entrepreneurial, collaborative approachWillingness to travel as client situations requireWhat Sets APCO's Capital Markets Practice ApartA strategic partner through the entire corporate and deal lifecycle. From IPOs and M&A to shareholder activism, restructurings, and financial litigation, we advise companies, investors, and institutions in the moments that matter most. Our experience spans legal, media, political, financial, and regulatory domains, giving us the agility and precision to manage sensitive, high-stakes situations.Integrated capabilities that go beyond traditional financial PR. Our work is backed by APCO's leadership in crisis and risk management, government affairs, regulatory, brand and digital strategy, ESG, and transformation consulting. Our acquisitions of Camarco and Gagen MacDonald deepen our C-suite advisory, capital markets counsel, and change management expertise, so clients get one integrated answer across communications, policy, and people.Real connectivity between Wall Street and Washington. Our public affairs heritage and bench of former regulators, policy advisors, and campaign strategists means we bring sophisticated counsel at a time when policy and regulation — CFIUS, antitrust, tax, SEC rules, and the politicization of capital — are shaping financial outcomes more than ever.Global reach with local impact. With professionals across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MENA, we deliver local insights with global coordination. Our team includes former financial journalists, bankers, fund managers, equity sales professionals, sell-side analysts, regulators, policy advisors, and campaign strategists — a multidisciplinary bench built for dynamic environments.What we bring you?At APCO, you will have the opportunity to work on meaningful client challenges alongside talented colleagues across our global network. We invest in our people through learning and development programs, mentorship, coaching, and ongoing opportunities to build new skills and experiences.APCO offers a collaborative and inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to bring curiosity, empathy, boldness, and inclusivity to their work. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, APCO provides workplace flexibility, global collaboration opportunities, and a culture that supports professional growth and careerCompensation RangeThe US base salary for this position ranges from $172,000/year to $202,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.In addition to base salary, APCO offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits for eligible US employees include medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision coverage, health and dependent flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, employee assistance and wellness resources, commuter benefits, additional voluntary benefit options and a generous holiday schedule with a flexible time off plan.Careers at APCOThrough our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. EOE M/F/V/D About the companyAbout APCO APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact. Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues. APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services. APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.