Associate Director (Strategic Communications)

About Wachsman

Built for the digital and decentralized age, we drive the adoption of these new industries to accelerate a new future. We provide our clients with a unique blend of advisory services spanning strategic and communications consulting, reputation, issues, and risk management, and public policy and regulation. We enable them to establish and defend their industry position as they drive growth and navigate new challenges and opportunities.

Founded in 2015 with regional headquarters in New York, Dublin, and Singapore, Wachsman has established its position as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most innovative companies, advising on market entry, change management, product launches, mergers and acquisitions, corporate repositioning, fundraising and regulatory compliance.

Born in the blockchain industry, Wachsman has grown to become a critical partner to a wide array of the world’s most exciting companies, including those across fintech and digital payments, data protection, gaming, sustainability and healthcare.

Our People

At Wachsman, we are driven by a desire to always be one step ahead of the curve. A career at Wachsman refines the fundamental skills needed for the future of communications. From diagnosing client issues, to selecting the most impactful narrative, to putting your strategy into action, we provide the platform in which your skills will flourish. Learning from some of the best minds and practitioners in the industry, our people discover the craft needed to thrive in a variety of high-stakes situations, identifying the approaches that will make all the difference.

Wachsman is seeking an Associate Director for immediate hire at its Asia Headquarters in Singapore, reporting directly to the Managing Director.

The following is expected of the right candidate:

Technical mastery

• Superb written and verbal communications skills
• Mastery of editorial, social and long-form content
• Strong ability to develop compelling narratives, messaging and talking points in fast-paced and high-pressure environments
• Strong presenter with gravitas as well influencing and co-creation skills
• Eye for editorial precision

Strategy and advisory expertise

• Ability to lead big pieces of strategic work, including but not limited to;Issues, risk and crisis
• Litigation and investigations
• ESG and sustainability
• Corporate governance
• Go-to-market strategy
• Policy and regulatory affairs
• Change management
• Acts, and is seen as, a trusted senior adviser, building strong and deep client relationships at all levels of the client’s organization
• Does not think in PR or disciplinary silos; is able to deliver business solutions and not just communications plans
• Is able to develop IP, frameworks and bespoke consultancy products based on clients’ business needs
• Has strong listening and influencing skills and is able to challenge a brief drawing on evidence and experience
• Can provide advice and lead teams effectively in providing counsel on risk and issues management

Culture and leadership

• Develops and leads motivated, high performing teams; provides strong team organization and direction
• Is a contributor to a fearless and high-performing culture and is a guardian of maintaining high standards and excellence
• Leads with a collaborative, collegiate style and goes out of their way to proactively build a deep understanding of other areas of expertise in order to act as a powerful ambassador for Wachsman to clients and prospects.
• Leads blended teams effectively and authoritatively with a one-team approach; builds a strong network and effective, respectful relationships with peers, both junior and senior colleagues across the business and with clients

Commercial acumen and growth

• Drives growth from existing clients and through winning new business
• Provides strong pitch leadership and develops winning approaches
• Instigates new business lead generation and proactively thinks of new ways to take our offer into the market; encourages peers and teams to do likewise
• Acts as an ambassador for the consultancy and can confidently represent all parts of the business and our breadth of expertise

As we operate in an agile environment you will have ample room to craft your own role and pursue a variety of initiatives, with plenty of opportunities to contribute & learn much beyond this job description. The Associate Director must be creative and enjoy working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-driven, and team-oriented.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years of experience providing media relations and/or corporate affairs services including strategic counsel, financial and resource planning, issues/crisis management and client management; at least 5 years of credentialed agency/consultancy experience is a plus
• Knowledge of finance and/or disruptive technology is a plus
• Excellent knowledge of media, political and cultural landscape in Singapore and across Asia Pacific; international experience is a plus