Senior Manager of Public Relations

Ropes & Gray•New York, NY

1d•$161,000 - $257,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing integrated external communications plans that promote the firm’s attorneys, practices, pro bono activities, and special initiatives. This role oversees daily PR operations, manages proactive and reactive public relations efforts, and leads a team that includes a PR Manager and PR Specialist to ensure high performance and achievement of strategic objectives in a collaborative, results-driven environment. Acting as a strategic communications advisor to firm leadership, practice chairs, and partners, the Senior Manager provides counsel on executive visibility, media positioning, and thought leadership strategy. The position utilizes AI-enabled media monitoring, media databases, and predictive analytics tools to generate insights and drive measurable impact across communications initiatives, drawing on extensive experience in an Am Law firm or specialized professional services environment to translate complex legal achievements and high-stakes matters into clear, sophisticated, and newsworthy content for business, legal, and trade media.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required; Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree highly preferred
10–15 years of progressive public relations experience, including at least five years with a PR agency, law firm, professional services organization, or media outlet
Extensive experience within an Am Law firm or specialized professional services environment strongly preferred
Demonstrated success leading PR initiatives for world-class organizations
Impeccable professional judgment and ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential information
Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills, with proficiency in synthesizing complex information into clear, compelling content for attorneys and senior executives
Strong project management abilities and proficiency with media databases, monitoring tools, and standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Established relationships with print, broadcast, and social media influencers
Experience working with C-level executives and senior partners
Proven track record in developing, mentoring, and managing junior colleagues, including the PR Manager and PR Specialist
Creativity in developing and executing strategic PR plans, securing media coverage, and leveraging social media channels
Ability to align communications initiatives to firmwide business objectives
High degree of professionalism, discretion, and proactive problem-solving
Capacity to operate confidently and make sound decisions under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong collaboration skills, with ability to work across practices, functions, and seniority levels within a large global organization
Adaptability and intellectual curiosity regarding evolving technologies such as generative AI and their application to communications and marketing
Enthusiasm for identifying and telling new stories
Strong leadership and people management skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and develop direct reports

Responsibilities

Act as a strategic, trusted communications advisor to firm leadership, practice group leaders, and partners, providing ongoing counsel on executive visibility, media positioning, and thought leadership strategy
Develop and implement comprehensive, high-impact public relations campaigns to build the firm's profile in key growth practices including Private Equity, M&A, Asset Management, Life Sciences, and Health Care
Write and edit press releases, briefing sheets, holding statements, and media pitches
Serve as a key point of contact for inbound media inquiries
Partner closely with the Director of Communications and Public Relations to manage complex, sensitive issues and provide rapid, clear-headed crisis communications guidance
Translate complex legal achievements, corporate transactional matters, and high-stakes litigation victories into clear, sophisticated, and newsworthy content for business, legal, and trade media
Cultivate and expand deep, long-standing relationships with key national, international, business, and legal trade journalists, influencers, and media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms
Position firm attorneys as go-to authoritative sources and stay current on trending topics across multiple practice areas to identify timely opportunities for media engagement
Prepare, brief, and coach partners and senior leadership ahead of media interviews; provide proactive counsel on communications efforts and effective media strategies
Develop and deliver comprehensive media training workshops and messaging frameworks
Secure speaking engagements and other thought leadership opportunities for firm attorneys
Source and place partner-authored bylined articles and legal alerts
Lead, mentor, and develop communications colleagues, including direct management of the PR Manager and PR Specialist. Provide ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities to ensure team members are engaged, productive, and aligned with department goals. Foster a collaborative team culture and actively support the growth and success of direct reports.
Collaborate with external PR agencies and consultants, oversee budgets and contracts, identify new technology and software, set clear KPIs to evaluate performance and maximize ROI
Collaborate across Marketing & Business Development department to create integrated communications strategies that leverage PR and digital platforms
Ensure consistency of brand voice, messaging, and tone across all PR efforts in alignment with the firm's brand guidelines and objectives
Establish performance reporting frameworks utilizing AI-enabled media monitoring, media databases, and predictive analytics tools
Track the effectiveness of PR campaigns, measure and analyze media coverage, and prepare detailed quarterly reports providing actionable insights, trends, campaign performance metrics, and overall PR impact to executive leadership