Senior Director of Communications and Brand

Ballard Spahr•Philadelphia, PA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Ballard Spahr is a renowned national law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 18 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr offers a diverse group of mentors, colleagues, and friends, and strong leadership that provides support and encouragement for career growth. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Director of Communications & Brand to elevate the firm’s national visibility, strengthen its market position, and shape a cohesive, compelling brand narrative across all channels. This senior leader oversees integrated marketing communications, media relations, editorial strategy, digital presence, marketing technology, brand governance, and creative direction. In this highly strategic and influential role, the Senior Director partners closely with firm leadership, practice and industry leaders, business development teams, and external consultants to develop and execute communications and brand strategies that support business objectives, enhance client engagement, and reinforce the firm’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and client service. The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, creativity, and sound judgment—along with the ability to influence at the highest levels of the organization while leading a high‑performing team of communications, digital, content, and brand professionals. This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the office . Why Join Us? Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership. Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth. Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds. Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Requirements

Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in business, English, communications, or a related field, and bring more than fifteen years of experience leading and mentoring teams.
They will have at least ten years of experience directing a law firm communications function at the senior level, including strategic brand marketing, public relations, corporate communications, digital marketing, and marketing technology, as well as prior experience in a public relations agency environment.
The role requires a proven track record of working closely with senior leadership to provide strategic guidance on internal and external communications and media relations.
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, along with mastery of style and grammar, are essential, and experience handling complex subject matter is a plus.
Candidates should demonstrate strong project management and people‑leadership abilities, along with flexibility, organization, and the capacity to manage multiple demands and deadline pressures.
A strong work ethic, commitment to customer service, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team are critical.
The position requires some travel and the flexibility to work beyond standard hours, and regular, predictable attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a firmwide communications and brand strategy aligned with long‑term business goals.
Translate firm strategy into compelling, market‑facing messaging for clients, prospects, recruits, and stakeholders.
Establish and enforce editorial standards, design guidelines, and brand identity systems.
Build and maintain relationships with legal, business, and industry media to increase visibility and secure high‑impact coverage.
Lead proactive media relations efforts, including story development, pitching, and strategic messaging.
Oversee press releases, media statements, bylined articles, and editorial calendars.
Lead development and distribution of marketing communications, including alerts, newsletters, brochures, and announcements.
Oversee the firm’s rankings and submissions strategy and the work of the surveys team
Oversee creative direction for marketing collateral, digital assets, advertising, and firmwide campaigns.
A strong client‑service mindset and the ability to anticipate and respond to internal and external needs.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
High technical proficiency in MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments, Elite, and other firm systems.
Professionalism, integrity, and alignment with the firm’s mission, vision, and values.