Communications Assistant

Cooley•Washington DC, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cooley is seeking a Communications Assistant to join the Communications team. Cooley is a global law firm with an expansive practice and more than 3,000 employees and partners worldwide. We value and celebrate diverse perspectives and strive to create a workplace where every individual can thrive. At the core of Cooley’s success is the exceptional talent and unwavering spirit of our people. We embrace individuality while fostering a ‘one-firm’ culture where collaboration and creativity thrive. Our people are the foundation of our success and the driving force behind everything we do. Hybrid Schedule Philosophy: As part of the Cooley culture, we recognize and appreciate the value of being together, in person, to build comradery with others in the office and to be a contributing member of the Cooley office. However, we also appreciate the benefits and flexibility that come from remote working. As such, the default assumption for employees and partners is a hybrid schedule: some in-office presence and some work from home days absent certain essential in-office roles that require five (5) days/week in-office. Position summary: Working closely with members of the external communications team, the Communications Assistant will provide day-to-day support for Cooley’s media relations, external communications and reputation-building efforts. The Communications Assistant will help the team identify and promote news involving Cooley, its clients and lawyers; support relationships with influential media; maintain the tools and resources that underpin an effective communications function; and assist with a range of written content and communications initiatives.

Requirements

After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Available to work overtime, as required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field
Previous internship or professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, professional services or a related field
Familiarity with media monitoring, media databases or other public relations tools

Responsibilities

Support the external communications team in executing proactive media relations and reputation-building initiatives across the firm
Monitor news and media coverage involving Cooley, its lawyers, clients, competitors and priority industries and issues
Prepare and distribute regular media coverage reports and other communications updates
Maintain and update media lists, journalist information and other media relations resources
Conduct research on reporters, publications, industry trends, news developments and potential communications opportunities
Assist with media outreach, including the preparation and distribution of press releases, deal announcements, media pitches and other communications materials
Support the coordination of media interviews and other reporter interactions, including scheduling and preparation of background materials
Help identify timely opportunities to highlight Cooley’s client work, lawyers, practices and perspectives
Support the drafting, editing, proofreading and posting of external communications content
Assist with maintaining communications calendars, trackers and reporting tools, including media activity and upcoming announcements
Support external communications campaigns and special projects involving earned media, social media, thought leadership and other content as needed
Provide administrative and organizational support to the external communications team, including scheduling meetings and maintaining team materials and resources
Help ensure communications processes, trackers, media contacts and other team resources remain accurate and up to date
Coordinate effectively with colleagues across Communications, Marketing & Business Development and other firm functions
Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
Take initiative in identifying ways to improve team organization, processes and information sharing
All other duties as assigned or required