Strategic Communications Lead APAC at CFA Institute

, Hong Kong, China -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Feb, 26

Salary

620000.0

Posted On

18 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Communications, Media Relations, Stakeholder Management, Content Creation, Project Management, Cross-Cultural Execution, Public Relations, ESG Knowledge, Risk Management, Executive Visibility, Thought Leadership, Compliance, Collaboration, Analysis, Advisory Skills, Writing Skills

Industry

Financial Services

Description

CFA Institute is seeking a seasoned communicator to elevate our voice across Asia Pacific—with a strong focus on China Mainland—through smart media relations, executive visibility, and advocacy communications. In this Hong Kong–based role, you’ll shape and execute integrated external communications that enhance our reputation across China Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Australia, and the wider region. You’ll partner closely with global and in-country teams, lead agency relationships, ensure compliance with Representative Office (RO) scope and China FNGO requirements, and help our leaders show up with clarity and impact. If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and stakeholder management—and you’re fluent in both English and Chinese—this is your next move. What You’ll Do Set the strategy: Develop and implement external communications plans that raise awareness of CFA Institute across APAC, aligned with global and in-country objectives. Lead media relations: Build and deepen relationships with top-tier financial and mainstream media; drive positive, high-quality coverage and manage senior leadership visibility. Advise leaders: Serve as a strategic advisor on media and advocacy; prepare executives for interviews, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities. Create compelling content: Draft and edit speeches, press materials, talking points, and presentations; amplify earned media across regional social channels. Orchestrate partners: Direct and optimize PR agency support across APAC, particularly China and Hong Kong; manage vendors and contracts for efficiency and impact. Integrate across teams: Collaborate with marketing, business development, product, and the Research & Policy Center to align communications with growth and policy priorities. Measure what matters: Track and analyze campaign performance, share insights, and continuously improve brand visibility and reputation. China-specific focus Provide transparent, regular updates to internal stakeholders on media activity; ensure alignment with RO objectives. Maintain a strong pulse on China’s financial sector—especially ESG developments and early-career talent needs. Proactively identify and manage reputational risks in partnership with the Risk Team and local leadership; ensure compliance with RO/FNGO requirements. Manage local media and executive exposure within the RO compliance framework. What You’ll Bring Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field. 8+ years of communications experience—ideally in China or Hong Kong SAR within financial or professional services. Proven track record in external communications strategy, media relations, and cross-cultural execution across markets at different maturity stages. Language proficiency: Mandarin and English (spoken) and Chinese and English (written). Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills; ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives. Strong project management and stakeholder skills; ability to prioritize, execute, and meet deadlines in a matrixed environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory dynamics, including China RO scope and FNGO compliance. Demonstrated success collaborating with PR agencies and optimizing vendor relationships. Familiarity with ESG discourse in China’s financial sector; experience promoting thought leadership content via media and social channels. Comfort advising senior leaders on communications strategy and media engagement. Why Join Us? Impact at scale: Help shape the external profile of the global authority in investment management across one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Regional leadership: Own high-visibility initiatives and executive platforms spanning China Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and Australia. Collaborative culture: Work with sharp, mission-driven colleagues across global communications, marketing, research & policy, and commercial teams. Flexibility and growth: Hybrid work (expect ~2 days/week in our Hong Kong SAR office) and meaningful opportunities to develop and lead. Travel & exposure: Regular business travel to China, plus occasional regional travel for conferences and events. Compensation & Benefits Transparency At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: Expected annual base salary range: 500,000 HKD - 620,000 HKD Other benefits include eligibility for annual incentives, 10% MPF employer contribution, and medical benefits. All salary ranges are subject to adjustment based on experience, education, and other factors relevant to the position. CFA Institute is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. About CFA Institute CFA Institute are the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’ well-being, offering industry-leading benefits like: Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family Generous leave and time off Competitive retirement plans Flexible work options Wellness, education, and support programs If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to click “Apply” and complete our three-minute application. Be part of a team committed to putting investors first and growing economies. Follow us @CFAInstitute on LinkedIn and X. Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location. If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to humanresources@cfainstitute.org noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences. Our application is not compatible with Internet Explorer (IE). We recommend using Chrome. When you work at CFA Institute, you become part of something bigger. We are a globally renowned company, continually striving to promote the highest standards of ethics and professional excellence in the investment industry. The skills and experience you develop during your career helps us achieve that mission – by investing in our employees, we can all succeed. Professional Development When you're able to continually develop your skills and capabilities, we can work together towards a better future. Health & Well-being Our benefits packages compare with the best in the industry, because what matters most to you matters to us. Corporate Citizenship We support community engagement, including a volunteer time off benefit so you can help serve your community. Culture The values of Curiosity, Inclusion, Trust, and Service guide our actions, creating a culture where you feel supported. Inclusion & Diversity Through initiatives like Employee Resource Groups, every one of us can feel welcomed, respected, and safe. Sustainability We are committed to environmental sustainability with continuous efforts to track and mitigate our carbon emissions.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement external communications plans to enhance CFA Institute's reputation across APAC. Build relationships with media, advise leaders on communications strategy, and manage PR agency support.