Manager of Communications

Crowell & Moring•Washington, DC

3d•$100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Manager of Communications works with practice group leaders, partners, and business development team members to develop and implement public relations strategies and initiatives. The Manager advances the firm’s internal and external public relations objectives, including media interviews, article placements, legal industry awards, social media promotion, and other efforts that protect and enhance the firm’s reputation. The Manager implements the day-to-day operations of the firm’s communications program, including developing processes for tracking the effectiveness of the efforts undertaken by the firm’s communications team and the PR firms that Crowell uses in various markets.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal and external contacts.
Demonstrated ability to manage all components of a strategic PR campaign from conception to execution to post-implementation assessment.
Demonstrated ability to make presentations to small and/or large groups in an effective manner.
Demonstrated advanced skills in MS suite to produce quality written communications such as memos, spreadsheets, and slide presentations.
Must possess the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a productive and committed work effort while meeting deadlines and successfully managing workload.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and with others, in a cooperative manner to accomplish position functions and participate in team efforts.
Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships with media contacts for profile-building efforts: attracting media coverage of the firm, practices, and lawyers, and placing lawyer articles in professional publications.
Demonstrated ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts, regarding both routine and complex matters. Requires patience, creativity, and discretion.
Ability to devise analytics standards for tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of communications efforts.
Ability to work overtime as needed.
Minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsibility, directly related experience during which knowledge, skills, and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with content management systems to post web and social media content is desired.
Vendor management experience (PR agencies and monitoring services) is desired.
Demonstrated ability as an editor. Understanding of AP Style or another style guide is desired.
Understanding of media monitoring and research tools, digital PR services, and best practices for PR-related analytics and social media promotion is desired.
Understanding of internal communications is preferred, including executive communications.
Experience in law firm media relations/marketing environment, PR agency and/or government is desired. Significant writing and project management experience is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Works with the Director and Senior Managers to manage the day-to-day operations of the communications program and ensure an integrated communications approach and strategy for internal and external audiences.
Works directly with practice group leaders and business development team members to raise the profile of practices and individual lawyers. This includes: drafting media plans; creating media lists; conducting media outreach; supporting the promotion of key events; and utilizing social media to elevate the brand and connect to key stakeholders.
Develops outreach materials, including media pitches, talking points/Q&As, recognition submissions, internal communications, and press releases for the firm, including practice leaders, client relationship partners, and members of management.
Supports lateral on-boarding campaigns, including: consulting with new partners on messaging approach; creating the corresponding press release and other related external and internal communications; obtaining approval from practice/firm leadership; prepping laterals for media interviews; creating media contact lists; and coordinating media interviews.
Manages the firm’s awards submission program by working with relevant attorneys and practice group management to identify award opportunities and create compelling and creative submissions.
Assists on sensitive firm and client matters when appropriate.
Manages requests to place byline articles in select publications, which includes identifying proper media targets and conducting media outreach accordingly.
Oversees the tracking of key analytics to measure the effectiveness of PR and other communications efforts.
Contributes content to the Crowell intranet to keep the firm community apprised of recent media coverage and firm/practice/lawyer recognition.
Maintains an active knowledge of industry and practice trends to better aid the department’s efforts.
Contributes to department-wide projects as required.