Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager

Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager

New York, NY

Summary

Our client, a leading Global Law Firm, is seeking a Senior Public Relations Manager to help raise and protect the Firm’s profile and reputation in the media/public domain, as well as to communicate effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a high impact communications strategy that reinforces and expands Firm’s market prominence and standing across key practices, regions and industries, as well as conveying the Firm’s values and messages to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal industry and developments as well as the Firm’s strategic priorities to influence and drive PR activities.
• Develop strong relationships with local, national, and trade press.
• Primarily responsible for PR in the Americas but, given the global nature of Firm’s business, the role will also advise on PR across Europe, Middle East and Asia, while working closely with the PR team in London.
• Build trust and work closely with Practice Group Leaders (PGLs), other partners and the practice and industry business development teams to develop bespoke PR plans for each area of strategic focus. In addition, develop PR plans for all marketing campaigns as part of a broader campaign plan.
• Able to convert complex matters and messages into clear and concise content appropriate for the intended internal and external audience.
• Advise and assist Firm leadership on executive communications, including those of a sensitive or potentially crisis-related nature.
• Effectively balance broad change with an understanding of how much change the Firm is capable of handling, to create realistic and achievable goals.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues across the BDMC function and the wider Firm.
• Advise other members of the professional services team, including the Talent, DEI and Pro Bono teams, to support in getting clear messages out to external audiences.
• Work closely with the Risk team on the development of policies and guidelines relating to Public Relations, as well as avoiding conflicts and minimizing risk in our external commentary.
• Work closely with the Senior Brand, Digital and Content manager, to ensure we have consistency in our messages across all forms of media and content.
• Coach and work one-to-one with Firm leaders, lawyers and other stakeholders regarding media interactions; and develop training programs related to working with the media.
• Act as the Firm’s spokesperson, as required, and be an ambassador for the Firm and the communications function.
• Manage a robust editorial calendar of award opportunities, and advise on submission strategy and messaging.
• Manage a team of two PR professionals in the Americas, and work closely with the four PR and Communications professionals in EMEA.
• Manage relationships with and guide PR agencies to deliver ROI for the Firm.
• Produce quarterly reports for Firm leadership on PR activities and results.
• Manage, mentor and nurture the PR team and their professional development.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of PR experience, ideally in a professional services or corporate environment. Previous experience at an international law firm is preferred but not required.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Post graduate degree in communications is an advantage (but not required).
• Proven track record of delivering PR strategies demonstrated by regular and favorable press coverage.
• Strong relationships with relevant journalists.
• Impeccable written and verbal communications skills.
• Detail-oriented, and organized work style.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to multitask and change priorities as required.
• Ability to manage multiple deliverables within a tight timeframe and deliver high quality work with sound judgment.
• Proactive approach to defining needs and delivering solutions.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with and build trust with different stakeholders.
• Ability to build consensus around new programs and initiatives.
• Experience working in a global environment and sensitive to different cultural perspectives.
• Effective and empathetic people manager who can attract, motivate and develop a globally integrated, collaborative, diverse and high performing team.

*The base salary for this position is $170,000 to $185,000