Director, Public Finance (Public Power)

PFM seeks a Director to join our Public Power financial advisory practice. This position is eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, with travel to client sites as required.

PFM is the leading advisor to Public Power utilities nationwide, including large and sophisticated municipal electric systems, joint action agencies, public utility districts, community choice aggregators, and state power authorities. The Director will be a senior leader within the practice, responsible for managing and growing client relationships, leading complex financing transactions, and driving business development across the public power and municipal utilities sector.

Candidates will be expected to operate with significant autonomy in a fast-paced environment and serve as trusted advisors to sophisticated institutional clients. The ideal candidate is a seasoned public finance professional who brings deep public power sector expertise, an established network of public power contacts, and a demonstrated ability to manage client engagements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for public power and municipal utility clients, maintaining and deepening relationships with key decision-makers at client organizations
• Lead origination and business development efforts, including developing and executing marketing strategies, pursuing new client opportunities, responding to RFPs, and representing PFM at industry conferences and trade associations
• Lead structuring and execution of complex bond transactions and other financial advisory engagements, from inception through closing
• Oversee and manage financing teams, ensuring timely and high-quality execution across all engagements
• Generate and coordinate client deliverables, including financial analyses, strategic recommendations, and presentation materials
• Present findings and recommendations to client boards, governing bodies, and senior management
• Monitor and analyze industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions within the public power and municipal utilities sector to inform client strategy
• Manage, mentor, and train financial analysts
• Collaborate across internal teams and external partners to support the long-term growth of the practice and the broader firm
• Work seamlessly with team members across offices, including those with varying levels of in-office presence
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and industry best practices

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least 7+ years of related work experience in public finance, investment banking, or a related field, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility; significant experience in the public power or municipal utilities sector required.
• Established network of contacts within the public power and municipal utilities sector, including utilities, joint action agencies, and/or related industry organizations
• MSRB Series 50 certification or ability to obtain certification within 45 days of hire
• Authorization to work in the U.S. for any employer without sponsorship now, or in the future.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep understanding of public power and municipal utility financing structures, business models, and the regulatory environment
• Familiarity with the range of financing tools available to public power entities, including revenue bonds, commercial paper, credit facilities, and other capital markets instruments
• Ability to distill complex financial and strategic analysis into clear, actionable recommendations for varied audiences, including boards and elected officials
• Insists on accountability of self and others; proactively resolves problems and drives results
• Superior quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to make persuasive and polished presentations to senior audiences
• Outstanding project management skills with proven ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative team player who actively promotes team success while also operating independently when required
• Demonstrates unwavering integrity and instills confidence in clients and colleagues
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and bond structuring/analytics software (e.g., DBC Finance® or comparable platforms)

COMPENSATION

PFM offers a comprehensive benefits package. This includes generous flexible paid time off, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, relocation assistance, 401k retirement plan with employer match and annual profit-sharing opportunity, medical/dental/vision insurance, health and wellness benefits, and disability and life insurance.

The anticipated base salary for this role is between $130,000 - $175,000. This position is also eligible for annual performance-based bonuses and an annual profit-sharing opportunity.  Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are ready to experience the challenge, satisfaction, and reward of an opportunity with PFM, please apply here, or refer a qualified candidate.

PFM is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

PFM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PFM maintains a drug-free workplace. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability at any time during the application or hiring process, contact [email protected] or call (215) 567-6100. Please note, this contact information is for accommodation requests only and should not be used for application status updates or other inquiries.