Communications Manager

Alston & Bird•Washington, DC

3d•$115,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Alston & Bird seeks a Communications Manager to help plan, execute, improve, and lead the firm’s strategic and operational communications activity, both internal and external. Based in any office, but with a preference for Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York or Washington D.C., and reporting to the firm’s Communications Director, the position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a growing, collaborative, service-oriented, and highly productive team. The firm is deeply committed to exceptional client service, including the critical support professional staff provide to the firm’s attorneys and to one another. We serve an impressive and diverse roster of clients across a wide range of industries and global markets, handling complex, sophisticated, and often high‑profile matters that attract local, national, and international attention. This work creates a dynamic and inspiring environment for shaping perception among key audiences, elevating the visibility of the firm and its attorneys, and advancing firmwide initiatives, including award‑winning pro bono and community engagement programs. With these priorities in mind, the Communications Manager should be a proactive self‑starter and polished communicator with strong critical‑thinking skills, exceptional project management abilities, and the agility to manage multiple priorities. The position calls for someone who works well with others, communicates diplomatically, and actively participates in the firm's community.

Requirements

Exceptional writing and editing skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
Strong “news judgment” and a solid understanding of journalistic and editorial standards, practices, and dynamics.
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including a high level of professionalism and executive presence.
Sound judgment, including the ability to apply appropriate discretion, caution, and adherence to established processes and protocols based on context and circumstances.
Flexibility, resilience, and effectiveness in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
High proficiency in Microsoft Outlook Suite, including advanced calendar management, Microsoft Word, including advanced formatting and track‑changes functionality.
Strong interest in writing, editing, legal marketing, media relations, current events, and social media strategy.
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or bachelor's degree is required; preference will be given to candidates with an academic concentration in communications, public relations, journalism, or business writing.
Minimum five years of communications experience in a large law firm or other professional services environment desired.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Communications Director and other firm leaders to develop, innovate, and constantly refine the firm’s internal and external communications strategies, including all aspects of proactive and reactive media relations.
Manage day-to-day activities of junior communications colleagues, working in tandem with the Communications Director.
Co-manage the firm’s long‑standing and highly successful relationship with its external PR agency.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to promote firm news through multiple internal and external channels, including the firm’s website, social media platforms, media relations, and a weekly firmwide internal newsletter.
Manage the firm’s survey responses and awards nominations efforts.
Collaborate closely with the Communications Director to advise firm leaders, attorneys, and operational staff on a range of communications issues and special situations.
Develop, refine, and execute the firm’s social media strategy and supervise related efforts by communications team and others across the firm.
Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, social media, website content, talking points, and other materials.
Provide editorial and project management support, in collaboration with attorneys and colleagues throughout the department, for selected thought leadership communications, including advisories, publications, and byline articles; this may include generating ideas, vetting subject matter for conflicts and other sensitivities, and sourcing relevant topics, trends, and angles.
Support communications and business development colleagues in guiding the firm’s strategy and project management for legal directories and other submissions.
Partner with colleagues and vendors to produce and disseminate reports and analyses that inform the measurement, assessment, and continuous improvement of communications activities.
Conduct research for various needs, including monitoring of competitor activity, by identifying and leveraging appropriate resources.
Provide counsel to colleagues across the firm to assess and navigate a range of communications opportunities, solicitations, and proposals from current and prospective vendors as well as other sources.
Adhere to firm Marketing & Business Development style guidelines, processes, and workflows, and encouraging others to follow relevant brand standards and communications protocols.
Understand the purpose and scope of all key communications team projects and department processes; remaining aware of updates, developments, and challenges to manage, collaborate with, back up, and support colleagues, as needed.