Senior Manager, External Communications
About The Position
This role leads external communications strategy for the US region and serves as a core member of Goodwin’s communications team. In alignment with Goodwin’s industry-built strategy, this role shapes and advances the firm’s global external narrative, elevates how Goodwin is viewed in the media, and strengthens the firm’s reputation across industries and practices. Working in close collaboration with the Senior Manager, External Communications for the UK, Europe, and Asia regions as well as the Managing Director of Communications, this individual plays a central role in defining how Goodwin is positioned in the market – ensuring consistency in global messaging while driving strategic execution within the US market.
Requirements
- 8+ years related experience with at least 2+ years of people management experience.
- Significant experience in external communications, public relations, or media relations strategy within a professional services, corporate, or agency environment.
- Deep media relations experience with demonstrated results in business and industry media.
- Strong strategic instincts and ability to advise senior stakeholders on communications strategy.
- Exceptional writing and messaging skills.
- Experience operating effectively in a fast-paced, global, matrixed organization.
Nice To Haves
- Willingness to travel to other firm offices as required (minimal).
Responsibilities
- Co-develop and drive Goodwin’s global external communications strategy in alignment with firm priorities and Goodwin 2033.
- Influence and shape the firm’s positioning across industries and practices to ensure a cohesive, differentiated market presence.
- Advise firm and industry leaders on communications strategy, messaging, and external positioning.
- Share accountability for driving a unified external narrative across regions.
- Elevate Goodwin’s presence and positioning in global media, including business and priority industry publications in addition to legal trades.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key legal, business, and industry journalists to strengthen the firm’s visibility and influence.
- Shape and lead proactive media strategies and press outreach efforts that reinforce the firm’s leadership across priority industries.
- Partner with industry and practice leaders to convert thought leadership into sustained market visibility and measurable business outcomes.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight to external PR agencies to ensure alignment with firm priorities and global messaging.
- Provide strategic counsel on reputational considerations, sensitive matters, and potential external risks.
- Support issues preparedness and crisis communications planning as needed.
- Ensure alignment between internal and external messaging during high-visibility moments.
- Collaborate closely with Senior Manager counterpart in the UK to ensure alignment in global messaging, media priorities, and strategic initiatives.
- Provide mutual leadership support across time zones, ensuring continuity during travel, leave, or peak activity periods.
- Manage, mentor and support the growth of the US-based Communications Specialist.
- Elevate standards for external messaging, media engagement, and performance measurement.
- Continuously assess and refine strategy to strengthen impact and market differentiation.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement & Savings Plan
- Emergency back-up child and adult care
- Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
- Employee recognition and reward programs
- Employee wellness and assistance programs
- Employee discounts and perks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
