Director, Integrated Communications

Seyfarth Shaw LLP•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Integrated Communications is a senior leadership role that will be pivotal in shaping and executing the firm's internal and external communication strategies. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Operations, this role serves as a strategic right hand in advancing both firm-level and department-level communications objectives, and acting as a central integrator across messaging, channels, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications professional who takes an integrated, content-forward approach—ensuring consistency of voice, message, and brand across every touchpoint, from media relations and social media to internal firm communications.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
Experience in a professional services, legal, or similarly complex organizational environment strongly preferred.
A proven track record of developing and executing integrated, multi-channel communications strategies in a complex, matrixed organization — preferably in a professional services or legal environment.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, with a sharp editorial eye and meticulous attention to detail.
A Strategic and analytical thought process with the ability to anticipate evolving needs, solve problems proactively, and operate effectively under pressure.
Demonstrated experience in media relations, PR strategy, and crisis communications.
Deep expertise in social media strategy, digital communications, and content analytics platforms.
Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to inspire, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing communications team.
Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders, attorneys, and cross-functional stakeholders at all levels.
A high degree of professionalism with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
A resourceful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach with a "whatever it takes" mindset to drive team and firm success.
Proficiency in relevant communications, project management, and analytics tools.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree (MBA, MA in Communications, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key strategic partner to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Operations in shaping and executing integrated, firm-wide communications strategies.
Champion an enterprise and integrated approach to communications and content, ensuring alignment, consistency, and cohesion across internal and external channels.
Define and lead the firm’s public relations strategy, setting priorities and ensuring alignment with firm objectives, target markets, and industry positioning.
Lead and develop a high-performing PR team (Associate Director, Senior Manager, and Coordinator), establishing clear roles, priorities, and accountability for media relations, proactive outreach, and day-to-day execution.
Oversee and optimize relationships with external PR agencies, ensuring alignment on strategy, effective use of resources, and measurable impact on firm visibility and reputation.
Own the firm’s internal communications strategy and intranet platform, overseeing firm-wide announcements, leadership messaging, intranet content, and employee engagement initiatives.
Partner with firm leadership — including the Chair and Senior Director — to ensure internal messaging reflects organizational priorities, reinforces firm culture and values, and supports key business initiatives.
Lead the planning, coordination, and prioritization of internal communications across the firm, ensuring alignment across stakeholders, minimizing noise, and delivering clear, timely, and impactful messaging.
Collaborate cross-functionally with the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Business Development, Practice Development, Recruiting and Attorney Development, HR, and other business and operational teams to ensure communications are strategically aligned and well-coordinated.
Set the strategic direction for the firm's social media presence across all platforms, empowering the Social Media Manager to execute on content development, editorial calendars, engagement, and analytics.
Partner with the Social Media Manager to shape and align integrated digital content strategies that support firm priorities, campaign objectives, brand visibility, and business development, recruiting, and thought leadership goals.
Oversee online reputation and digital channel performance, ensuring proactive identification of opportunities, emerging trends, and potential risks.
Lead an enterprise content strategy that ensures a unified, on-brand voice across all communications — internal and external, digital and traditional.