Associate Director of External Communications (Litigation)
$200,000–$240,000 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States or San Francisco, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals responsible for building relationships with influential media. Develop communications strategies with litigation practice leadership to support business priorities and highlight the firm's distinctive capabilities. Oversee the strategic direction of the awards and recognitions program, including prioritization and key submissions. Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, and statements. Identify compelling stories around the department's clients and lawyers, particularly across the innovation economy. Serve as a spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiries. Advise firm leaders on media strategy, reputation management, and crisis communications. Provide media training and interview preparation. Mentor direct reports and support business professional development. This role requires working extended or weekend hours as needed and the ability to travel. Minimum 8 years of direct experience with 4+ years in management is required.
Required Qualifications
- After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
- Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
- Ability to travel, as required
- Minimum 8 years' direct experience (e.g., communications, public relations experience with B2B clients and at a management level) with 4+ years' management experience (some at the senior level preferred)
- Bachelor's degree preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field
- Experience operating at a level beyond current role expectations, providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction
- Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling
- Strong working knowledge of and contacts within National print, broadcast and online media
- Strong handle on financial markets and business concepts and related subject matter
- Experience with crisis and issues management communications
- Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency environment, and/or in government service/political realms
- 10+ years applicable experience strongly preferred
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.