Senior Writer and Editor, Internal Communications

Ballard Spahr•Philadelphia, PA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Firm is seeking a senior writer and editor for an array of internal communications, including those written by and for Firm leadership, and as editorial liaison on communications for administrative departments. This position oversees the Firm’s intranet and develops, reviews, and updates content for the site with an eye toward keeping it fresh, interesting, and informative. This position reports to the Chief Engagement Officer and interacts with senior leaders in the Firm, serving as an internal communication adviser, writer, and editor.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of professional writing experience.
Regular and predictable attendance is a core requirement of this position, as is the ability to work beyond the standard scheduled hours, as needed.
High degree of proficiency in the Firm’s computer applications and document management system, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments, Elite, and other practice/functional area databases, as appropriate.
Display tact, diplomacy, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Build constructive working relationships with internal and external team members to achieve goals and objectives.
Demonstrate ability to collaborate with, be accessible to, and positively influence your team.
Display strong planning, organization, and time management skills, demonstrating the ability to adapt to change (expected and unexpected) and balance competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
Prioritize work, seek direction with competing priorities, and utilize team and other resources, as appropriate.
Effectively plan and organize work to complete assignments and meet deadlines.
Possess significant business knowledge and experience, and an intense client service attitude.
Maintain strict confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a law firm or legal environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the writing, editing, production, and distribution of executive-level communications to further the Chair’s goal of connecting frequently with lawyers and business professionals with respect to Firm strategy and related priorities, progress, and initiatives, as well as Firm news.
Advise on the appropriate voice, cadence, and style for communications sent to Ballard lawyers and staff, considering audience, intent, and message content.
Support writing, editing, and design for multiple internal communication channels, including email, newsletters, and intranet, to ensure that they align with the messaging strategy of the Chair and senior leadership.
Confirm that internal communications have been fact-checked, proofread, and reviewed by the appropriate parties and that supporting references for data, quotes, and other citations used in communications are provided.
Collaborate with legal, business, and executive teams as well as marketing and communications teams to ensure effective, consistent internal communications that reflect the Firm’s brand and messaging.
Collaborate with IT professionals to research and implement new channels to expand the effectiveness and reach of the Firm’s internal communications; collaborate with external communications/PR team to align messaging and advance shared projects as necessary.