Digital Program Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world's top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations. At FTI Consulting, you'll work side-by-side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you'll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You'll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you. Are you ready to make your impact?

FTI is searching for a data-driven, insights-focused communications professional to join the Corporate Positioning & Insights practice of its Strategic Communications segment as a Senior Director. The successful candidate will serve as a bridge between FTI's data science and reputation advisory capabilities, helping clients translate complex data, analytics, and emerging technologies into actionable communications strategies across high-stakes reputational situations.

This is a client-facing role. The individual will serve as a trusted advisor, translating data, research, and digital signals into actionable communications counsel. As AI, digital intelligence, and evolving audience behaviors reshape how stakeholders find and form views about organizations, the Senior Director will be expected to support and FTI's evolving capabilities in this space including media analytics, AI-powered intelligence, simulation modeling, audience analysis, answer engine optimization (AEO), generative engine optimization (GEO), and LLM reputation auditing.

• Serve on client teams and lead projects; advise on the implementation of digital intelligence, measurement, media analytics, and data-driven reputation strategies.
• Work closely with FTI's data science teams to help operationalize innovative offerings, including media simulations, agentic personas, predictive modeling, and advanced analytics approaches, while bringing these capabilities to internal stakeholders and external clients in a commercially viable and strategically relevant manner.
• Help translate complex data science methodologies and outputs into actionable recommendations and strategic counsel for internal teams and clients.
• Serve as a point of contact within corporate reputation teams to understand the full suite of research, analytics, and digital intelligence offerings and identify opportunities to integrate them into client approaches.
• Identify new opportunities to grow the digital and insights business internally within the Strategic Communications segment, across other FTI segments, and externally.
• Employ consumer, stakeholder, and media intelligence platforms to derive insights about client campaigns, reputational issues, and broader audience dynamics, determining strategy as a result.
• Conduct and interpret digital intelligence, audience, media, and search audits to diagnose communications gaps, reputational risks, and competitive positioning.
• Monitor and report on digital, media, and search performance using platforms including Google Search Console, SEMrush, Brandwatch, Meltwater, or equivalent tools, and translate findings into actionable strategy.
• Identify ways for clients to best communicate across digital and earned media environments, prioritizing audiences, channels, content, and other factors through the interpretation of data and analytics.
• Evaluate audience engagement with client communications through the use of primary research, media analytics, AI-enabled tools, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor and coach early career professionals.

We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth, and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on-the-job learning, a comprehensive and ongoing training program, self-guided professional development courses and certifications. You'll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth. As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, corporate reputation, digital intelligence, insights, analytics, research, or related fields.
• Experience working across both client advisory and data- or analytics-driven environments.
• Understanding of primary research methodologies, media analytics, audience intelligence, and data-science-based approaches to communications and reputation management.
• Knowledge of and experience with social listening and media intelligence platforms such as Brandwatch and Meltwater.
• Familiarity with SEO, search strategy, AI-powered search, AEO/GEO, and evolving digital discovery trends.
• Ability to synthesize complex datasets and analytics into clear, actionable communications recommendations for clients and senior stakeholders.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
• Ability to travel to clients and FTI office(s) as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Consulting experience and corporate reputation advisory experience preferred.
• Experience working in or alongside data science, analytics, or innovation teams to develop new offerings, methodologies, or products.
• Strong communications skills, including ability to successfully contribute to a fast-paced team environment and to be responsive to ever-changing sector and client needs.
• Experience supporting integrated communications strategies informed by data, audience intelligence, and analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to build communications and reputation strategies grounded in data and insights and convert findings into actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled analytics, simulation modeling, agentic personas, or predictive analytics approaches is a plus.
• Experience managing client-facing teams; experience directly managing, mentoring and/or training entry level employees.

FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Compensation

Minimum Pay: $132,000

Maximum Pay: $218,500

Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual's location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications.