Communications Manager

Secretariat•Chicago, IL

19d

About The Position

The Communications Manager plans and delivers firmwide communications that convey a consistent Secretariat voice and perspectives across internal and external channels. The role helps expand the firm’s reputation-building initiatives, manages internal communications and employee engagement initiatives, and executes programs across awards and rankings, social media, and digital content. Working across practices, regions, and corporate functions, the Communications Manager turns firm priorities and insights into clear, timely stories and campaigns. The role leads external communications work to strengthen the firm’s reputation and support growth, including content development, media relations, awards and rankings, social media, messaging standards, and performance tracking. It also partners with HR, Talent, Learning, practice leaders, and corporate teams on internal communications, employee engagement, and the development of the global intranet, The Post. The Communications Manager works with practice marketers and the Editorial Manager to plan and promote thought leadership, client alerts, and other expert-led content. The role brings stories from practices, regions, and experts into firmwide campaigns, advises on messaging for high-visibility initiatives, and coordinates stakeholders, approvals, support staff, and external partners.

Requirements

At least six years of experience planning and executing communications in a professional services, consulting, legal, or similarly complex expert-led environment.
Strong writing, editing, and interviewing skills, with sound judgment and the ability to work with senior leaders and translate technical subjects for different audiences.
Demonstrated experience with internal communications and public relations, including media pitching and spokesperson preparation.
Ability to manage simultaneous initiatives, build relationships across teams, and use performance data to guide decisions.
Ability to use data, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned to continuously improve programs, processes, and return on marketing investment.

Responsibilities

Execute firmwide external communications strategies to strengthen Secretariat’s reputation and support growth priorities through PR, digital channels, social media, and awards and rankings.
Develop and edit website, campaign, social, email, and digital content; package announcements, research, events, and expert insights for relevant audiences and channels in collaboration with design and digital colleagues.
Develop and pitch media stories based on firm news, research, and expert perspectives; prepare press and spokesperson materials, and coordinate interviews and media inquiries.
Help prioritize awards and rankings based on strategic value; manage submissions with practices and leadership, working with the Marketing & Communications Associate to coordinate deadlines and maintain the awards calendar.
Contribute to social media strategies, identifying opportunities to amplify executive and expert perspectives and engage target audiences.
Contribute to firmwide messaging and editorial standards so external communications reflect a consistent, credible Secretariat voice.
Track results of communications initiatives, including media coverage, awards outcomes, and digital and social performance; use results to refine plans and recommend changes to priorities.
Partner with HR, Talent, Learning, and practice leaders to shape and coordinate internal communications campaigns supporting recruiting, onboarding, recognition, culture, and employee engagement.
Oversee the continued development of the firm’s global intranet, The Post, setting content priorities and identifying improvements that increase its reach and usefulness to employees.
Work with leaders and corporate teams to develop messages about firm priorities, organizational changes, milestones, and employee programs; draft high-priority communications and guide their delivery to different internal audiences.
Set priorities and coordinate stakeholders, reviews, and approvals across internal communications channels, working with the Marketing & Communications Associate on implementation and using results to improve future communications.
Partner with practice marketers and the Editorial Manager to plan how thought leadership, client alerts, and other expert-led content will be published and promoted.
Bring practice, regional, and expert stories into firmwide campaigns and channels, identifying opportunities to connect related work across the firm.
Advise on audience, framing, and messaging for high-visibility practice initiatives, helping teams present expert insights in a consistent Secretariat voice.
Coordinate approvals, communications support staff, and external partners to keep cross-practice content moving on schedule and improve shared workflows.