Director, Media and Outreach

The Financial Services Forum seeks a Director, Media and Outreach to lead media strategy for one of Washington's most influential trade associations, working alongside senior executives and policy experts on issues that impact the U.S. economy and global financial markets. This is a highly visible role for an experienced communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced policy environment and enjoys translating complex financial services and regulatory issues into compelling stories that influence reporters, policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer, you'll own both the short- and long-term media planning and engagement, helping shape the Forum's voice and elevating its profile on some of the most significant financial services issues facing Washington. You'll build media and third-party relationships, develop and execute integrated communications campaigns, identify media opportunities, and influence communications strategy from concept through execution while collaborating with senior leaders across policy, research, and government relations. We're looking for someone who brings a collaborative, team-first approach. This is a highly engaged, supportive team where people work together, share ideas, and are willing to roll up their sleeves to help wherever needed. What You\'ll Do Develop and execute short- and long-term integrated media and communications strategies that advance the Forum's policy priorities. Own the organization's proactive media relations strategy, cultivating and expanding relationships with reporters who cover financial services, banking, Congress, and economic policy. Meet regularly with reporters, identify story and paid media opportunities, develop compelling media pitches, and position the Forum as a trusted resource on financial services policy. Lead rapid response and crisis communications efforts, including the development of talking points, statements, background materials, and messaging during breaking news. Draft and oversee compelling press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, speeches, and other external communications. Ensure consistent messaging across earned, owned, paid, and social media channels. Partner closely with policy, research, government relations, and executive leadership to translate complex legislative, regulatory, and financial services issues into clear, compelling communications. Develop and execute third-party outreach strategies with allied organizations, trade associations, and external partners using a campaign-oriented approach. Manage communications consultants, media vendors, and outside agencies. Oversee media monitoring, reporting, analytics, editorial calendars, messaging resources, and media databases. Supervise and mentor one direct report while fostering a collaborative, high-performing communications team. Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, and media developments to proactively identify emerging issues and opportunities. What We\'re Looking For Bachelor\'s degree and 10+ years of communications, media relations, public affairs, or policy communications experience. Demonstrated success developing and executing proactive media relations strategies and integrated communications campaigns. Established relationships with reporters who cover financial services, banking, Congress, or Washington policy issues. Proven experience pitching stories to the media and securing earned media coverage. Experience leading rapid response and crisis communications efforts. Outstanding writing skills with demonstrated experience producing compelling press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, and other external communications. Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes, particularly those affecting the financial services industry. Experience using Cision or similar media relations software. Press experience on Capitol Hill is strongly preferred. Experience working for a trade association, financial institution, public affairs agency, or consulting firm is highly desirable. Candidates from a public affairs agency should have experience supporting financial services clients. Collaborative leadership style with a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines. Flexibility for occasional overnight travel. About the Financial Services Forum The Financial Services Forum is a nonpartisan economic policy and advocacy organization whose members are the CEOs of the nation\'s largest financial institutions. The Forum works with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to advance policies that promote a strong financial system, economic growth, financial inclusion, and global competitiveness. Based in downtown Washington, DC, the Forum plays an influential role in shaping public policy on issues affecting the U.S. financial services industry. This position follows a hybrid schedule, with employees working in the Washington, DC office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays. The Financial Services Forum offers a competitive salary of $175,000–$225,000, depending on experience, an annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package. If you\'re energized by public policy, media strategy, and the opportunity to influence national conversations, we\'d love to hear from you. The Financial Services Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Financial Services Forum