Communications Manager

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York seeks a Manager of Communications to lead and execute PR and communications activities aligned with the firm’s global strategy. You will advise partners on press opportunities, manage media relations, and coordinate across internal departments to support business development and practice marketing.

The role requires strong writing, stakeholder management, and a creative approach to visibility. Salary is competitive; bonus eligibility applies.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of PR, communications, or marketing experience.
• Experience advising partners and leaders on press opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to elevate the firm's profile across media and thought leadership.
• Advise partners on media engagements and prepare them for interviews.
• Develop relationships across administrative departments to support comms initiatives.
• Create content for awards, nominations, website announcements, and internal comms.

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Manager of Communications will be responsible for managing and executing a range of public relations and communications activities to support the Firm’s global strategy and business development goals. These activities include the full suite of media relations, internal communications, awards and rankings, byline articles, and other related projects to support the Firm’s many leading practices and lawyers, as well as the Firm’s overall position in the market.

This is a highly visible position requiring the ability to successfully advise partners and other Firm leaders on potential press opportunities and prepare them for press interviews; successfully develop relationships with and work across various administrative departments throughout the Firm, such as Recruiting, Inclusion, Wellness and Social Responsibility; efficiently manage a high volume of daily work with constantly shifting priorities; and bring a creative flair for developing ideas for public relations and successfully implementing them.

Primary Responsibilities and/or Essential Functions

• Identify opportunities for the Firm to further support and elevate its profile through multiple channels, including media coverage, thought leadership initiatives, and other Firm communication vehicles.
• Assess and advise on risks associated with media engagement and other communications activities and propose the best way forward.
• Act as a spokesperson for Firm announcements and in responding to inquiries from the media.
• Develop effective relationships with partners and other key stakeholders, earning their trust and respect as a trusted resource on best practices related to public relations and media engagement.
• Prepare partners and other stakeholders for media interviews, including developing materials such briefing documents, key messages and talking points.
• Collaborate with Business Development and other colleagues in developing integrated external communications plans to support strategic initiatives, and in developing content for various uses.
• Work with members of the Communications team to ensure timely dissemination of Firm press releases and news items/deal announcements; submissions to awards and ranking organizations; and placement of byline articles highlighting the broad strength of the Firm, individuals and practices.
• Create original content for award nominations, website announcements, internal communications, and other potential marketing and business development uses, as needed.
• Proactively measure and report on the impact of activities and ROI of communications efforts.
• Special projects as they occur or are needed.
• Additional related responsibilities as requested.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 6+ years of PR, communications, or marketing experience, preferably in the professional services realm.
• Experience working collaboratively with team members and managing projects.
• Must have significant media relations experience.
• Experience developing and implementing public relations plans and activities.
• Strong presence and ability to interface effectively with individuals at all levels at the Firm.
• Articulate with strong influencing and persuasion skills and superior ability to collaborate cross-functionally and across offices.
• Team player who can effectively collaborate across all levels and departments within the Firm.
• Demonstrated track record of exhibiting good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to know how to package and pitch ideas to the media and other audiences.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills and the ability to handle multiple projects on a regular basis.
• Ability to successfully prioritize multiple demands and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Impeccable attention to detail and creative flair.
• Familiarity/comfort with business and legal jargon.
• Aptitude for understanding new technologies quickly.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe and other publishing software.
• Positive attitude; high energy, drive, determination and collaborative nature.
• Previous experience working in a legal or professional services environment highly preferred.
  

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Estimated salary range is $150,000 - $170,000. This position is bonus eligible. Compensation decisions within the range are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case including but not limited to the individual's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP offers a competitive compensation package comprised of base pay and discretionary year-end bonus for eligible employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, flexible spending plan and a 401K plan. Weil also offers generous paid time off and holidays. All decisions affecting employment at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP are made on the basis of qualification, performance and other pertinent work-related factors, and without discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran’s status, genetic information or any other legally protected status.