Director of Marketing & Communications

Description We are seeking our first dedicated marketing hire to build and lead the firm’s external communications, brand presence, and client-facing marketing function. This highly cross-functional role sits at the intersection of equity research distribution, deal marketing, events, digital communications, and brand management. It is an opportunity for a hands-on marketing professional to take meaningful ownership of a growing function at a specialized, high-credibility financial services firm. You will work closely with our research analysts, deal team, and firm leadership. Because the firm operates across research and advisory, the role requires a strong understanding of confidentiality, information barriers, regulatory requirements, and compliance processes. Why should you join our Dowling team? You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact from day one. As our first dedicated marketing hire, you will not simply inherit an established playbook – you will help build it. You will work directly with senior leadership, research analysts, and our advisory team, gaining broad exposure to the firm and the insurance and financial services markets we serve. This highly visible role gives you the autonomy to shape our brand, strengthen how we engage with clients, and build the marketing infrastructure that will support our continued growth. Benefits and Perks Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) Company-paid Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Immediate eligibility for the Company's 401(k) plan Eligibility to participate in the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after one year of employment Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) Reimbursement for select gym and fitness memberships Annual bonus opportunity Research & Content Distribution Manage distribution of published equity research notes, morning notes, thematic reports, and other research content to the institutional client base. Maintain and grow research distribution lists and CRM records. Track engagement, readership, and distribution analytics and use those insights to improve outreach. Coordinate with research analysts on publication calendars, formatting standards, and client-facing report design. Help ensure research materials are presented consistently and professionally across distribution channels. Deal & Advisory Marketing Produce marketing materials for M&A and advisory mandates, including teasers, pitch books, league tables, tombstones, and related materials. Coordinate closely with the deal team to ensure materials are distributed only after required FINRA information-barrier, confidentiality, and compliance clearances. Maintain the firm's deal announcement and tombstone archive. Coordinate press releases and external communications for completed transactions. Support the development of marketing materials that clearly communicate the firm's advisory capabilities and sector expertise. Brand & Digital Presence Partner with the Director of AI to ensure the firm’s digital marketing strategy is effective in an AI-driven environment, including visibility and accurate representation of the firm in AI-assisted search and discovery tools, and appropriate use of AI in content development. Own and manage the firm's website content, LinkedIn presence, and other client-facing digital properties. Develop and maintain firm collateral, including capability presentations, sector one-pagers, team biographies, conference materials, and other external communications. Establish and maintain consistent visual and editorial standards across research publications, pitch materials, digital channels, and external communications. Help shape and evolve the firm's overall brand and market presence. Events & Client Engagement Plan and execute investor conferences, non-deal roadshows, insurance industry events, and other firm-sponsored programs. Coordinate analyst and banker participation in third-party industry conferences and events, including major insurance investor conferences. Manage event logistics, materials, invitations, attendee communications, and follow-up. Support client entertainment and other relationship-building initiatives. Compliance & Coordination Partner with Compliance and Legal to review external-facing materials and communications. Help ensure marketing and communications activities comply with applicable FINRA communications requirements, recordkeeping obligations, and the firm's information-barrier policies. Maintain appropriate records and archives of marketing materials in accordance with firm retention policies. Develop efficient processes for managing approvals, version control, distribution, and recordkeeping. Requirements Bachelor's degree preferred in Marketing, Communications, Business, Finance, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. 4+ years of experience in marketing, communications, marketing operations, or a related function, ideally within a sell-side research firm, investment bank, asset manager, or other financial services organization. Experience with CRM and distribution platforms, such as Salesforce or research distribution systems. Familiarity with FINRA-regulated communications and financial services marketing requirements; experience with research distribution and communications review is a plus. Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical insurance and financial content into clear, polished, client-facing materials. Strong proficiency in PowerPoint and familiarity with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva. Experience with website CMS platforms and digital content management is a plus. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable working in a small-team environment where you will own projects and processes from start to finish. Strong interpersonal and project-management skills, with the ability to work effectively across research, banking, compliance, and senior leadership. Insurance industry knowledge is a strong plus but not required. Financial services fluency is important. This job is 100% on-site in our Farmington, CT office. #J-18808-Ljbffr