Associate Director of External Communications (Litigation)

Cooley•Santa Monica, NY

48d

About The Position

Cooley is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications for Litigation to join the Communications team. This role will help shape and execute strategic external communications programs that enhance, differentiate, and protect the department’s and Cooley’s reputation. The role will lead proactive media relations and reputation-building efforts across the department, helping to bring Cooley’s perspective and client work to the forefront of the business, technology, and legal developments shaping the innovation economy.

Requirements

After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications.
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required.
Ability to travel, as required.
Minimum 8 years’ direct experience (e.g., communications, public relations experience with B2B clients and at a management level) with 4+ years’ management experience (some at the senior level preferred).
Bachelor’s degree preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field.
Experience operating at a level beyond current role expectations, providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction.
Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling.
Strong working knowledge of and contacts within National print, broadcast and online media.
Strong handle on financial markets and business concepts and related subject matter.
Experience with crisis and issues management communications.
Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices.
Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners on strategy and execution of communications objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional writing skills and strong attention to detail.
Ability to lead others in developing and executing on initiatives and large-scale projects.
Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics.
Judicious, fast-thinking and able to excel in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to consistently meet deadlines, including self-set and multi-tasked.
Ability to develop professional relationships both internally (with department members, lawyers and firm business professionals) and externally (with industry/regional associations, etc.).
Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communication.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency environment, and/or in government service/political realms.
10+ years applicable experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals responsible for building and maintaining relationships with influential media.
Work closely with the Department Chair and litigation practice leadership to develop communications strategies that support business priorities, strengthen Cooley’s position in key markets and highlight the distinctive capabilities of the firm, its practices and lawyers.
Oversee the strategic direction of the awards and recognitions program for the department, including prioritization, processes and the development of key submissions.
Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communications.
Develop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources that support a coordinated and effective external communications function.
Identify and shape compelling stories around the department, its clients and its lawyers, particularly across the industries and issues driving the innovation economy.
Lead proactive external communications campaigns that position Cooley litigation lawyers as authoritative voices through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotion.
Serve as a spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiries.
Advise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile matters.
Provide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparation.
Develop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materials.
Serve as mentor to direct reports.
Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies.
Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities.
In collaboration with immediate supervisor and HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.