Communications - Associate Director (London)

KBRA is seeking an experienced Associate Director-level individual to join our dynamic Marketing and Communications team. This will be a key role focused on developing and implementing the company’s expanding media-relations efforts and outreach in Europe and the UK, in addition to supporting KBRA’s overall global media strategy in other regions including the U.S. and Asia. This person will be tasked with carrying out proactive communications campaigns to increase KBRA’s profile and visibility in the European media, from Tier 1 financial newspapers and wires to widely read debt capital markets trade publications, broadcast outlets, and podcasts. The candidate will be expected to cultivate a wide network of European media and press relationships with the goal of enhancing brand visibility and promoting the company’s research and thought leadership.

Additionally, you will focus on monitoring and measuring KBRA’s interactions with the media, including developing monthly reports and metrics for executives, tracking interviews and other exchanges with key members of the press and evaluating the impact of media campaigns and messaging, as well as posting highlights of the best coverage on social media.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and confident, strategic thinker with excellent communications skills, possibly a journalist or financial-communications professional, with a strong background in Fixed Income; knowledge of Private Credit and/or Structured Finance would be a plus, as would knowledge of the European and UK financial-media landscape. This is a hybrid role based out of KBRA’s London office and will report to the NY-based Senior Director of Communications.

Job Responsibilities

• Build relationships with key media contacts and identify opportunities to proactively pitch published reports, commentary and product offerings, including proprietary sets of data.
• Design and implement external media initiatives and strategies to enhance KBRA’s and KBRA Analytics’ visibility in the press and strengthen relationships with relevant reporters and editors, including development and management of London-based media events.
• Act as the main Communications partner and media counsel to analytical and executive staff in the KBRA London and Dublin offices.
• Collaborate with KBRA ratings analysts, KBRA Analytics staff, Communications colleagues, sector heads, Business Development, Editorial, Marketing departments and other senior management to design media pitches and strategies to secure coverage in the European press.
• Arrange media interviews for analytical staff and manage/monitor interviews as a representative of KBRA, with a focus on positive positioning and protecting the firm’s reputation.
• Maintain and track all engagement activity and media metrics for evaluation and strategy.
• Publish media articles to the company’s website and work with Marketing team to highlight on social media.
• Develop written materials including press releases and other internal and external communications announcements as required.
• Work with Marketing team to promote company content and product offerings for press features via email marketing.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports tracking all media coverage and interactions with journalists, including presenting year-over-year metrics in chart form.
• Coordinate with Marketing on preparing press releases announcing European-based industry awards.
• Travel up to 10%.

You Will Be Successful In This Role If You

• 4 to 10 years experience in either a journalism, communications or public relations role with a focus on Fixed Income/Credit space.
• A network of media and/or press contacts would be a big plus.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with strong writing and editorial abilities.
• A key element of this role will be transforming KBRA’s ratings and research into a digestible story for the media.
• Candidate should be a confident representative of the company comfortable with outreach to journalists and defending/protecting the brand if necessary.
• A background within the bond market, credit ratings, private credit, fund finance and/or structured finance markets would be a big plus but happy to look at those focusing on other areas.
• Strong social media content creation skills; familiarity with Excel and presenting media metrics would be a plus.
• Strong time management skills; ability to expertly and efficiently multitask.
• Extreme attention to detail is a must.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in role, but also work collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits

• A flexible hybrid work schedule – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays in the office.
• Competitive benefits and paid time off.
• Paid family and disability leave.
• Pension plan.
• Educational and professional development financial assistance.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Cell phone provided.