Specialist, Communications

Paul Hastings•New York, NY

36d•$91,000 - $116,000•Onsite

About The Position

We have an immediate opening in our Communications Department for an experienced and motivated Communications Specialist in our New York office. Working under the guidance of senior communications team members, the Communications Specialist will support public relations and communications initiatives that elevate the firm’s profile and brand in the market. The Communications Specialist will position the firm’s lawyers as leaders in their respective practices, including proactive and reactive media relations and communications planning, and assist with issues management. The Communications Specialist will also collaborate with multiple areas of our organization to support various external and internal communications efforts. This is a role for a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and someone with corporate communications or PR agency experience. We are seeking someone who can interact comfortably with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and who can successfully juggle multiple projects and deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (required)
5+ years of communications experience, preferably in legal or professional services, or a similar B2B environment
Knowledge of media relations and proven ability to build and maintain strong media relationships

Nice To Haves

PR agency experience a plus
existing legal media relationships a plus
Strong familiarity and comfort with digital platforms and associated technology
Self-starter who works well with professionals at all levels
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple tasks and projects
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
A willingness to learn

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing PR and communications support, handling day-to-day inbound and outbound media relations, identifying proactive opportunities to pitch media and responding to media inquiries
Develop and maintain relationships with relevant reporters and editors
Take the lead in drafting and editing of select PR and communications materials, including press releases, pitches, media briefings, messaging, Q&As and presentations
Build trusted advisor relationships with partners and other key stakeholders in assigned practice areas
Prepare select partners and other stakeholders for media engagement, including developing materials such as briefings, key messages and talking points
Assist and support senior members of the communications team with issues management
In conjunction with senior team members, provide regular oversight of and guidance to external PR agencies in their efforts to support the firm, practices, and the communications team more broadly
Oversee the production and distribution of a daily press recap on key global media coverage of the firm
Maintain and share a tracker of communications assets for incoming lateral talent
Monitor industry trends, relevant news stories, and the media landscape to develop new insights and identify potential media opportunities
Contribute to building and maintaining institutional intelligence in support of communications efforts, including a tracker of externally promotable matters and media list creation and management
Work beyond usual business hours, as needed
Additional projects and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life/AD&D
Long Term Care
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account
Healthcare Concierge and Advocacy
Lifestyle Spending Account
Voluntary 401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing
10 Paid Holidays per year
generous PTO Program
Family Support including Paid Parental Leave, Fertility Benefits, Breast Milk Shipping, Back-up Child Care, Elder Care, and Tutoring
Wellbeing programs (Employee Assistance Program, Relationship Support, Mental Health, Menopause and Midlife Health and Well-Being Events)
Retirement Plan Consulting
Anniversary Bonus Program
Professional Development Programs
Transportation and Commuter Benefits
International Travel Insurance
Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
Auto/Home/Pet Insurance
Prepaid Legal Insurance
Employee Discounts