Job Description

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.

Managing Director, Special Situations & Investor Relations

About Edelman Smithfield

Edelman Smithfield is the go-to strategic communications and investor relations partner for companies navigating the most critical moments in their corporate life cycle. With the reach and resources of the world’s largest independent communications marketing firm, we advise public and private companies on how to build credibility, attract capital, and protect reputation - whether in times of growth, transformation or challenge.

Our team of former in-house IROs, sell-side analysts, and investment bankers works side-by-side with Boards and executive teams on everything from ongoing investor relations to IPOs, major M&A, activist defense, restructurings, and high-stakes crises.

The 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.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading high-stakes client situations, driving growth, and managing a team of practitioners across multiple locations.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a significant and established revenue base, with clear accountability for performance, growth and profitability.

What You’ll Do

What Success Looks Like

• Driving revenue growth and profitability of the US SSIR practice
• Establishing credibility as a senior practitioner and trusted advisor internally and externally
• Building, developing and retaining a high-performing team
• Expanding key client relationships and originating new business opportunities
• Strengthening 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.
• Lead from the front in high-stakes client situations, operating 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.

$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.

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.

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.