Associate Director of External Communications (Litigation)

Ladders; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Health savings accounts and flexible 2

Life insurance and long-term care

25 PTO days + 10 holidays

Parental leave and fertility benefits

Backup care for dependents

Benefits orientation

Job summary

Ladders seeks an Associate Director of External Communications (Litigation) to guide external messaging for a litigation-focused practice in Washington, DC. The role shapes how the team is perceived in media and markets, blending strategic messaging, media relations, and crisis communications to elevate the department's visibility and reputation.

You will partner with department leadership and attorneys to craft clear narratives, manage high-profile communications needs, and build a cohesive

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in communications/public relations, with at least 4 years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of national print, broadcast, and online media.
• Experience in crisis communications and issue management.
• Proven leadership skills in team development and performance management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and understanding of digital marketing.
• Ability to navigate complex environments and build trust with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals in media relations
• Develop strategic communications plans with department leadership
• Manage the awards and recognitions program for the department
• Write and edit press releases, media pitches, and other communications materials
• Develop policies and resources for a coordinated communications function
• Shape compelling narratives about the department and its achievements
• Serve as a media spokesperson and provide crisis communications guidance

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Leadership

Strategic communications

Stakeholder management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/Journ/J Communications/Marketing/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital marketing concepts

Job description

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

This role will guide external communications for a litigation-focused practice, helping shape how the team is represented in the media and broader market. The position combines strategic messaging, media relations, and crisis communications to support the department's visibility and reputation. You will partner closely with department leadership and attorneys to develop clear narratives, manage high-profile communications needs, and strengthen the group's external presence.

Location: Washington, DC

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

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals in media relations
• Develop strategic communications plans with department leadership
• Manage the awards and recognitions program for the department
• Write and edit press releases, media pitches, and other communications materials
• Develop policies and resources for a coordinated communications function
• Shape compelling narratives about the department and its achievements
• Serve as a media spokesperson and provide crisis communications guidance

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in communications/public relations, with at least 4 years in a management role
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of national print, broadcast, and online media
• Experience in crisis communications and issue management
• Proven leadership skills in team development and performance management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and understanding of digital marketing
• Ability to navigate complex environments and build trust with stakeholders

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and long-term care coverage
• 25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits
• Backup care for children and adults
• Employee benefit orientation for comprehensive understanding of benefits

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.