Communications Specialist – Public Relations

DLA Piper; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

DLA Piper in Houston seeks a Communications Specialist (Public Relations) to promote the firm’s brand through targeted media relations and strategic public relations efforts. You will build relationships with journalists, craft compelling storylines, and secure placements across legal and business outlets.

This role requires a proactive, results-oriented professional with solid writing and editing skills, the ability to manage multiple projects to tight deadlines, and comfort working in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 5 years’ experience in Marketing, Public relations, Journalism, or similar field.
• Excellent writing and verbal communications; ability to pitch and manage media relations.

Responsibilities

• Help create and implement comprehensive media relations strategies that align with firm goals.
• Collaborate with the attorneys and Communications, Marketing and Business Development colleagues to develop storylines that promote the firm’s practice areas, attorneys, and significant achievements.
• Proactively pitch story ideas, news releases, and commentary to secure media placements in relevant outlets.
• Maintain media relationships and be aware of changes in media landscape.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Storytelling

Writing

Verbal communication

Editing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

Summary

As a Communications Specialist (Public Relations), you will play an important role in promoting the firm’s brand through targeted media relations and public relations efforts. The role requires a proactive and results-oriented individual with a deep understanding of the media landscape and a proven track record in building relationships with journalists and media outlets.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Help create and implement comprehensive media relations strategies that align with firm goals and enhance its visibility with legal and business audiences.
• Collaborate with the attorneys and Communications, Marketing and Business Development colleagues to develop storylines that promote the firm’s practice areas, attorneys, and significant achievements.
• Proactively pitch story ideas, news releases, and commentary to secure media placements in relevant outlets.
• Maintain media relationships and be aware of changes in media landscape.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Desired Skills

Proactive, strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling and understanding of the legal industry. Proven track record of successfully securing media coverage and building relationships with journalists. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and engagingly. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. Proficiency in media monitoring tools. Ability to work West Coast hours preferred but not mandatory.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field.

Minimum Years Of Experience

• 5 years’ experience in Marketing, Public relations, Journalism, or similar field.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $34.09 - $53.17 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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