Senior Director, Public Affairs - Healthcare and Life Sciences

Who We Are

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations.

At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you.

Are you ready to make your impact?

About the Role

As a Senior Director in our Healthcare & Life Sciences sector, you will lead client accounts and help set the direction of our Healthcare & Life Sciences Public Affairs practice. You will work closely with both the sector and our Public Affairs team. FTI Consulting's Public Affairs practice partners with clients to manage and execute multi-stakeholder communications activities that require knowledge of media, the political landscape, and public policy issues.

You will serve as a day-to-day leader and trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, legal counsel, and C-suite executives. You will oversee complex, high-stakes project delivery, manage budgets, and ensure quality control as you manage account teams and lead projects. You will draw on in-depth knowledge of clients' objectives and challenges to oversee the design and implementation of innovative strategies across public affairs, issues and advocacy campaigns, and related communications challenges. You will manage up and down within account teams and oversee teams working on matters across healthcare and life sciences.

You will counsel clients on internal, peer, and market developments as they relate to the media, political landscape, and marketplace. You will also plan for and engage with the media, investment communities, patient advocacy groups, and key constituencies. You will serve as a liaison across FTI's internal teams to bring client campaigns to life, and you will oversee colleagues at all levels to ensure initiatives are delivered on time and on budget.

As a primary client counselor, you will be the client-facing leader for project teams. You will be comfortable engaging C-suite and executive leaders in communications, government and regulatory affairs, legal, and policy and advocacy, as well as third-party partners who help shape, manage, and lead public affairs programs. You will drive multiple workstreams and complex multi-sector engagements that involve cross-practice teams.

You will also identify new business opportunities with prospective and existing clients. You will spearhead strategic responses to new business opportunities, and work in lockstep with colleagues to develop and deliver a multi-faceted engagement response to meet the client’s needs and deliver success in reaching their business objectives. You will build relationships with law firms, advocacy organizations, coalitions, and trade associations. You will participate in marketing and thought leadership opportunities on behalf of the team and the firm.

What You'll Do

Client Service and Account Leadership

• Serve as a primary client contact, providing strategic counsel directly to clients in meetings, on conference calls, and on client sites.
• Lead day-to-day management of client accounts with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of strategic implementation, work quality, team leadership, and client satisfaction across multiple accounts.
• Project manage multiple workstreams, client and legal approval processes, and document development concurrently to ensure deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Write, edit, and oversee a variety of materials, including communications plans, strategy memos, policy documents, press releases, interview preparation memos, presentations, media pitches, and web content.
• Maintain command of each client's business strategy, services, stakeholders, and competitive landscape.
• Anticipate client needs and concerns, and proactively counsel clients on industry, company, political, and market developments.
• Help clients identify and escalate risks so they can act and communicate with integrity.
• Manage teams and processes for tracking and triaging stakeholder inquiries (media, employees, customers, regulators, and others) during live incidents.

Strategy and Planning

• Develop strategic proposals and communications plans for clients and new business prospects.
• Design and oversee the implementation of innovative public affairs, issues, and advocacy strategies.
• Identify emerging opportunities to add value for clients and for the practice.
• Anticipate potentially difficult situations and advise clients and senior management on strategies and alternatives.

Practice Growth and Business Development

• Play an active role in strategically growing the Healthcare & Life Sciences Public Affairs practice.
• Drive new business pursuits by identifying opportunities with new and existing clients, building relationships with law firms, advocacy organizations, coalitions, and trade associations, and networking on behalf of the firm.
• Serve as a thought leader to the Public Affairs practice and the healthcare team, and participate in marketing and thought leadership opportunities for the team and firm.

Team and Financial Management

• Work with other senior leaders to make staffing decisions on accounts, identify resource needs, and assign responsibilities.
• Manage profitability and utilization across multiple projects and accounts, and ensure timely and accurate client invoicing.
• Mentor and develop team members at all levels, support team training and professional development, and serve as performance manager for select junior staff.
• Foster collaboration among peers across healthcare, public affairs, and strategic communications, and promote a positive work environment.
• Understand and uphold FTI's values, Code of Ethics, and the Strategic Communications Rules of Practice, and work with junior staff to embed them in the firm's culture.

How You'll Grow

We are committed to investing in your professional development through programs that foster leadership, growth, and development opportunities. We promote continuous learning through on-the-job experience, self-guided professional development courses, and certifications. You will be assigned a dedicated coach who will mentor and guide you through regular coaching sessions and advocate for your professional growth. As you progress at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical career milestones to prepare and empower you for your next role.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 7–10 years of experience in a communications agency and/or state or federal government.
• Prior healthcare experience, including familiarity with major issues facing the industry.
• Superior public policy, writing, editing, and research skills.
• Proven project management track record, including driving multiple workstreams and managing staff at all levels.
• Willingness to travel to clients and FTI offices up to 20% of the time.
• Current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not provide visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies that raise a client's profile and mitigate or balance negative coverage.
• Track record of managing communications with diverse stakeholders in politically charged and/or crisis situations.
• Prior client service, consulting, or agency experience.
• Ability to advise and earn the confidence of senior communications and C-level client contacts, as well as outside legal counsel and other advisors.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal presentation skills, with strong attention to detail and a service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines across multiple projects and remain calm in high-stakes situations with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in creating project plans, rollouts, and roadmaps, and in using AI and project management tools.

FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Compensation
Minimum Pay: $134,000
Maximum Pay: $245,000

Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual’s location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications.