Public Relations Coordinator

Ropes & Gray•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Relations Coordinator will work closely with the Public Relations team to enhance Ropes & Gray's visibility locally, nationally, and globally, consistent with the firm's existing and longstanding reputation in the marketplace. Major areas of focus will include developing and executing strategic PR initiatives, conducting research for media opportunities, drafting internal and external communications, and supporting rankings and awards nominations. The coordinator will serve as a key resource for attorneys and marketing and business development colleagues and will report directly to the Public Relations Manager.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with zero to three (0–3) years of experience in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, or professional services.
Prior experience working with various forms of media, including print, digital, broadcast, and social media platforms, and a working knowledge of the media platforms through which attorneys can obtain visibility.
Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both in writing and verbally.
Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
A proven ability to handle conflicting priorities and maintain confidentiality with respect to sensitive firm matters.
Proficiency with media databases and monitoring tools.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and compelling press materials and other communications.
The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with attorneys and business support at all levels of the organization. The candidate must be able to convey a positive image of the firm in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
A strong understanding of the media landscape, including the process by which stories originate and are published across print, digital, broadcast, and social media platforms. The candidate should have a willingness to learn how to develop and maintain productive relationships with reporters, editors, and other media contacts.
Extreme attention to detail, with a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work product.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment.
A team-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively and efficiently both collaboratively and independently. The candidate must be able to share information, goals, opportunities, successes, and challenges with the appropriate parties in a transparent and proactive manner.
Sound judgment and accountability, with the ability to analyze problems, develop effective solutions, and make appropriate and timely decisions. The candidate should accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work and consistently strive to improve performance.
A self-starter mentality, with the flexibility to tolerate ambiguity and respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience writing external-facing communications is preferred.
Experience prospecting for and pitching potential stories to members of the media is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct research across a wide range of areas in support of the PR team's initiatives, including research on media outlets, reporters, and editors; practice groups and industries; peer law firms; market trends; and special projects as directed. Research responsibilities will also include identifying potential story angles, monitoring competitor activity, and gathering background information to support media outreach and pitches.
Prepare first drafts of written communications and promotional materials, including press releases, external announcements, internal communications, website updates, social media content, and rankings and awards nomination materials, for review and refinement by the Public Relations Manager and other senior members of the PR team.
Track and monitor media coverage of the firm, its attorneys, and its practice areas across print, digital, broadcast, and social media platforms. Compile and distribute regular media coverage reports and alerts to the PR team and relevant stakeholders and maintain organized archives of coverage for reference and reporting purposes.
Manage and maintain an editorial calendar, including keeping the media and opportunities database up to date, identifying new opportunities, researching upcoming editorial calendars and deadlines, and alerting PR team members to relevant opportunities.
Assist with rankings and awards submissions by conducting research, gathering relevant data and attorney input, and preparing draft nomination materials.
Support the broader PR team in prospecting for potential stories of interest to the media and in developing pitches for use by the Public Relations Manager and broader PR team.
Field and route incoming media inquiries, coordinating with the Public Relations Manager and other senior team members to facilitate potential interviews with Ropes & Gray attorneys and other subject matter experts.
Coordinate conference and event media relations by obtaining attendee lists, identifying media attendees, and recommending meetings or briefings.
Assist with the PR team's administrative needs, including monitoring relevant email inboxes, scheduling meetings and calls (including with members of the press), and maintaining media databases.
Develop a solid understanding of each of the firm's practice groups, their strategies, and their priorities in order to effectively support the team's visibility efforts.
Perform and assist with other PR team-related duties and projects as required.