Associate Director of External Communications (Business)

Ladders; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and VSP

Health savings and flexible spending

Company-paid life insurance and long‑/

Generous PTO 25 days

Parental leave and fertility support

Job summary

Ladders, a leader in the Legal & Accounting space, seeks an Associate Director of External Communications in Chicago, IL. You will shape external messaging, elevate the visibility of the firm's lawyers, and guide media relationships across top outlets.

The role includes crisis communications, spokesperson support, and close partnership with firm leadership to align priorities. We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of communications or public relations experience, including 4+ years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of national media and understanding of financial markets.
• Experience with crisis management communications.
• Strong track record of strategic leadership and team guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals to cultivate media relationships.
• Develop communication strategies aligned with leadership priorities.
• Oversee the awards program for the department, including submissions.
• Write press releases, media pitches, and other communications materials.
• Lead proactive external campaigns to promote lawyers and practices.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and contact for inquiries.
• Advise on media strategies and provide crisis communications support.

Skills

Leadership

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Team guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals to cultivate media relationships
• Develop communication strategies aligned with leadership priorities
• Oversee the awards program for the department, including submissions
• Write press releases, media pitches, and other communications materials
• Lead proactive external campaigns to promote lawyers and practices
• Serve as a media spokesperson and contact for inquiries
• Advise on media strategies and provide crisis communications support

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of communications or public relations experience, including 4+ years in a management role
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of national media and understanding of financial markets
• Experience with crisis management communications
• Strong track record of strategic leadership and team guidance

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off policies, including 25 days of PTO
• Parental leave and fertility support programs

For our client, we are seeking a Associate Director of External Communications (Business) to join the team of a leader in the Legal & Accounting space.

This role will shape and execute external communications strategies that elevate the visibility of the firm's lawyers and practice areas across key media channels. You will partner closely with firm leadership to align messaging with business priorities, strengthen media relationships, and support high-stakes communications needs. The position also plays a visible role in crisis communications and spokesperson support, helping ensure consistent, polished, and proactive outreach.

Location: Chicago, IL

Compensation: $200,000 - $240,000 annually

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification-your background could be exactly what this team needs.