Position Title: Vice President, Communications
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
Company Background:
MFA, based in Washington, DC, New York, Brussels and London, represents the global alternative asset management industry. MFA’s mission is to advance the ability of alternative asset managers to raise capital, invest, and generate returns for their beneficiaries. MFA advocates on behalf of its membership and convenes stakeholders to address global regulatory, operational, and business issues. MFA’s member firms collectively manage a diverse group of investment strategies. Member firms help pension plans, university endowments, charitable foundations, and other institutional investors to diversify their investments, manage risk, and generate attractive returns over time.
Position Summary:
The Vice President, Communications will operate cross functionally to advance MFA’s agenda on policy issues and educate the public about the hedge fund, private credit, and alternative asset management industry. The position works with the Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Head of Global External Affairs to lead MFA’s communications strategy and team.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of the Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Head of Global External Affairs, this role will help the industry navigate global policy headwinds and leverage communications to advance MFA’s efforts to demystify the industry and showcase its value.
- Establish new and exciting ways to tell MFA’s story both on owned channels and in the press to achieve policy outcomes for MFA members in jurisdictions around the world.
- Lead execution of MFA communications strategy and tactics, including writing press releases, op-eds, statements, and pitch journalists, etc.
- Manage a team of communication professionals, while promoting a workplace that aligns with MFA values.
- Develop and execute communication programs around core initiatives.
- Promote and execute MFA thought leadership. Work with the team to prepare communications items (introductions, remarks, discussion guides, talking points, policy statements, etc.) for MFA executives, including the CEO.
- Engage with media and background press. Prepare executives and spokespeople for media interactions and public appearances.
- Guide MFA’s digital presence, including web, social media, and newsletter assets.
- Develop and maintain external marketing material to ensure consistency of messaging and brand.
- Build and manage strong media relationships, working with top tier, national, international, beltway, and trade outlets.
- Work closely with the senior staff and member firms to develop content (e.g. fact sheets, one-pagers, talking points, etc.) that informs coverage of the industry and educates key stakeholders.
- Work closely with internal regulatory, government affairs, conferences and events, operations teams, and outside consultants to help communicate MFA’s priorities to key audiences.
- Serve as an internal liaison with the government relations, legal, and research teams on policy communications initiatives.
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree is preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of strong relevant experience, ideally in a PR agency, corporation, trade association, or government entity working on financial services issues. Financial services experience is preferred.
- Proven track record executing public affairs campaigns and driving earned media in national, financial, regional, and international outlets.
- Strong passion for storytelling and deeply thrives on the challenge of positioning the industry in new and positive ways.
- Proven track record of successful people management.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented culture that values the importance of being a good teammate, communicator, and partner.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to self-start, think ahead, problem solve, and engage proactively with high professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
- Strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency using a CRM (i.e., Impexium) tool is a plus.
- Occasional domestic and international business travel is required.
Benefits of Working at MFA:
- Comprehensive healthcare plan options to include medical, dental, and vision
- Competitive compensation package
- Retirement savings plan
- Other ancillary benefits (disability plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and more)
- Hybrid work schedule (Mon/Fri- remote; Tues-Thurs: in-office)
- Generous paid parental leave and transition time
- Professional development and career opportunities
- Internal Engagement committee
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Staff retreats
- Healthy food and snacks
