Marketing and Public Relations Director

MITCHELL WILLIAMS SELIG GATES & WOODYARD • Little Rock, AR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Mitchell Williams seeks a dynamic, hands-on Director of Marketing and Public Relations to lead the Firm’s marketing, communications, and public relations efforts. This position drives brand visibility, client acquisition, and business growth through strategic marketing initiatives. The Director reports to the Firm’s Chief Administrative Officer and collaborates closely with attorneys, practice group chairs, and Firm leadership. This is a highly visible, action-oriented role requiring both strategic vision and the experience to execute the vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, business administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• APR (Accredited in Public Relations) certification preferred.
• Minimum of eight to ten years of experience in marketing leadership roles.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• Proven record of accomplishment in managing a marketing and business development department, developing and implementing successful marketing strategies and campaigns that drive business results.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and a focus on quality.
• Strong writing skills, as demonstrated by acceptable writing samples.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (including PowerPoint) and digital marketing tools and platforms, including website CMS, email marketing software, social media management tools, and analytics platforms.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong client service focus with the ability to establish immediate credibility and rapport with attorneys.
• Tremendous enthusiasm.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Maturity, confidence, high energy, and a positive attitude.
• Hands-on approach; willing to roll up the sleeves to get the job done.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to provide creative ideas.
• Supervisory and personnel management experience with good mentoring skills.
• Analytical abilities and experience in managing outside support resources.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues in a respectful, inclusive, and diverse environment.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited required direction and guidance on simultaneous complex projects.
• Must meet all local health regulations, pass post-offer drug test, and pass post-employment physical exam, if required.
• Must be capable of performing the essential job functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• APR (Accredited in Public Relations) certification preferred.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic marketing initiatives, including paid, earned, shared, and owned communication channels to support the Firm’s strategic goals, objectives, and areas of practices.
• Define clear objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and metrics to measure the efficacy of marketing initiatives, reporting regularly to Firm leadership on progress and achievements.
• Develop and administer annual marketing and charitable budgets to support marketing and business development initiatives.
• Evaluate new and existing Firm sponsorships and marketing expenditures for return on investment.
• Manage contracted agencies and vendors, supervising their scope of work and delivery of services within budget.
• Manage and enhance Firm brand recognition through targeted marketing campaigns, thought leadership initiatives, and public relations efforts, ensuring consistency in messaging, visual assets, and brand guidelines across all channels.
• Develop and implement earned media strategies to expand the Firm’s thought leadership reputation, including encouraging attorneys to write articles for local, regional, and industry media; connecting reporters to attorneys as subject matter authorities; and pitching story ideas and sponsored content placements.
• Serve as point of contact for Firm media inquiries, including evaluating requests, coordinating interviews or responses with attorneys, and conducting interview preparation and research.
• Monitor and protect the Firm’s reputation, proactively addressing and reporting issues or challenges that may arise.
• Assist Firm leadership with developing and executing crisis communication plans as needed.
• Oversee the Firm’s digital marketing strategy and best practices, including website management, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing.
• Monitor and analyze digital analytics for trends and opportunities.
• Create and implement integrated content marketing strategies including blog content, content repurposing, email marketing, video production, and digital channel distribution to maximize reach and engagement across various channels and platforms.
• Oversee the website, including attorney bios, practice area descriptions, and recommendations for areas of improvement; serve as liaison with web-design vendors.
• Collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer, practice group chairs, and attorney teams to assess practices, identify practice teams, define services, and develop value propositions to accurately inform clients and potential clients about legal service capabilities.
• Collaborate with attorneys and practice areas on business development strategies that address client needs and industry challenges, including speaking engagements, writing opportunities, seminars, and business proposals.
• Counsel and support attorneys on individual business development strategies, including developing individual marketing plans (IMAP), bios, value propositions of unique skills and strengths, LinkedIn strategies, cross-servicing strategies, skills development, and business proposals.
• Follow up with individual attorneys and practice groups to ensure timely implementation of marketing plans and assigned initiatives.
• Provide training and resources to enhance attorneys’ marketing skills and client service capabilities appropriate for their level of experience.
• Oversee Firm events, seminars, webinars, and sponsorships to foster client engagement, generate leads, and enhance the Firm’s visibility in the legal community.
• Oversee preparation for attorney CLEs and other speaking opportunities, including presentation materials.
• Evaluate new and existing sponsorships for return on investment and alignment with Firm strategy.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify business opportunities, industry trends, cross-service opportunities, and target audiences.
• Analyze and track client retention, new business development, and cross-selling opportunities.
• Bring external market intelligence to the Firm, including competitor activity, industry developments, and client trends.
• Manage all Firm submissions for rankings, awards, and recognition programs such as Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, Super Lawyers, and Benchmark Litigation.
• Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the Firm’s client relationship management (CRM) system.
• Ensure data quality by developing and implementing policies and procedures for data integrity.
• Promote CRM as a business development and practice management tool, including one-on-one and group training and coaching for attorneys and staff.
• Actively participate in professional marketing networks.
• Represent the Firm in professional and community organizations to enhance visibility.
• Lead and mentor the marketing team, providing guidance, coaching, evaluation, and opportunities to enhance performance.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and adhere to ethical standards, demonstrating commitment to the Firm’s values and culture and belonging initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous employer contributions to benefits.
• Insurance benefits include health, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, health savings account (HSA) and many other insurance options.
• Retirement savings 401k and Roth options with a Firm match.
• Paid time off and holiday schedule, supporting work-life balance.
• Free on-site gym (Little Rock).
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education nurturing growth within a well-established and continuously growing firm.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values inclusivity, empowerment, belonging, and teamwork.
• Paid time for community service and volunteering.
• Paid parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager