Director of Communications and Public Relations

Wachsman is a global communications and strategy consultancy focused on advising the leaders of the new economy. Born in the blockchain industry, it is a critical partner to companies working across fintech and digital payments, banking, asset management, and B2B/B2C technology.

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded communications leader to join our US leadership team and play a central role in the continued growth of Wachsman's business. This role is referred to as a Director in Wachsman's organizational structure, but it is equivalent to a Vice President or Senior Vice President at other agencies.

This is a senior leadership position combining strategic client counsel, commercial development, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and deepening relationships with ambitious companies and their leadership teams, delivering exceptional strategic communications advice, and identifying opportunities to grow our business.

Working closely with colleagues across our international offices, the Director will help strengthen Wachsman's position as a leading communications and strategic advisory partner to companies operating at the forefront of financial services and emerging technologies.

We are looking for someone who combines exceptional communications expertise with commercial ambition, strong leadership capabilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Candidates must be based in or near Manhattan and be able to attend in-person meetings at short notice. 

Duties and Aptitudes:

• Play a leading role in growing Wachsman's US business, identifying and converting new business opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, and contributing to the commercial performance of the practice.
• Take responsibility for the commercial health of a portfolio of client accounts, including client retention, revenue growth, profitability, and effective resource allocation.
• Build and maintain a network of senior industry relationships that support business development, strategic partnerships, and Wachsman's wider market positioning.
• Play a central role in building and developing Wachsman's US team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, high performance, and professional development.
• Provide leadership across client teams, supporting senior colleagues in developing their management capabilities and ensuring consistently high standards of strategic counsel and client delivery.
• Work closely with colleagues across Wachsman's global offices to deliver integrated client programmes, share specialist expertise, and identify cross-regional commercial opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted strategic adviser to founders, CEOs, and senior executives, providing counsel on corporate positioning, reputation, communications strategy, and complex business challenges.
• Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships by connecting communications strategy to broader commercial objectives, including fundraising, market entry, regulatory developments, corporate transactions, and business transformation.
• Staying abreast of emerging technology and recognizing opportunities to continuously develop themselves professionally.

Skills & Requirements:

• 10+ years of communications experience, with significant PR agency experience being essential.
• Strong experience in strategic communications within financial services, fintech, emerging technologies, or other complex and highly regulated sectors. Familiarity with digital assets, blockchain, AI, and capital markets would be advantageous.
• Proven track record of driving new business development, confidently leading prospect meetings and pitches, building senior-level relationships, and converting opportunities into agency growth.
• Exceptional work ethic and motivated to excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead sophisticated, integrated communications strategies spanning earned media, executive positioning, corporate reputation, thought leadership, and issues management. 
• Experience leading substantial client relationships and managing teams.
• Strategic-thinking skills, and the ability to handle and tactfully manage stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to identify opportunities for clients.
• Excellent knowledge of the media landscape.
• Ability to prioritize and plan effectively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Excellent interpersonal/soft skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of social, organizational, and professional standards in job-related activities.

This is a management position.

This is a full-time, exempt position.

Though we aim to include as much detail as possible in our job postings, this job description does not include all potential tasks and responsibilities for this role. Responsibilities may change, or new ones may be assigned throughout your employment as needed.

We have a market-based compensation structure. The salary for this position may vary based on a candidate’s experience, industry expertise and technical skills. The anticipated salary range for the position is $170,000 - $220,000.