Director of Internal Communications

DLA Piper; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 194,000 - 314,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

DLA Piper seeks a Director of Internal Communications to lead a high-impact team, partner with senior executives, and advance firm priorities through strategic messaging across intranet, town halls, emails, and videos.

The role focuses on developing a cohesive strategy, leveraging technology to enhance quality and speed, mentoring staff, and measuring impact with analytics in a global, hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience developing strategy and producing high-quality communications content.
• Experience working with C-suite or equivalent senior leaders in complex, global, or matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated success managing communication strategies for large-scale organizational changes.
• Background in journalism, writing, PR, marketing, executive communications, strategic content, or corporate communications.
• Strong writing and editing abilities with clear narratives for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage internal communications aligned with business objectives and the firm's culture of excellence.
• Lead and evolve a sophisticated internal communications team that fosters engagement and connection to the firm's vision.
• Develop narratives, messaging frameworks, and campaigns supporting firm priorities.
• Advise partners and administrative leaders on strategic communications planning and engagement strategies.
• Align messaging across internal and external channels with PR, Marketing, and related teams.

Skills

Strategic comms

Executive messaging

Storytelling

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Project management

Intranet platforms

C-suite collaboration

Analytics

Writing & editing

Microsoft 365

Education

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

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

The Role

The Director of Internal Communications is a collaborative leader with a track record of delivering high-quality internal communications in a professional environment. As a key member of the Communications leadership team, this individual will work with senior executives to use communications to advance firm priorities, strengthen engagement, and help bring the firm's vision to life.

The Director leads the Internal Communications team and is responsible for developing and executing a cohesive internal communications strategy, using technology to maximize the team’s quality of work product and speed, and holding the team accountable for delivering consistently excellent written product.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Strategic & Executive Communications

• Design, implement, and manage internal communications aligned with business objectives and the firm's culture of excellence.
• Establish, lead, and evolve a sophisticated internal communications team that fosters engagement and connection to the firm's vision.
• Develop narratives, messaging frameworks, and campaigns that support firm priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to partners and administrative leaders on strategic communications planning, executive messaging, and engagement strategies.
• Align messaging and voice across internal and external communications, in coordination with Public Relations, Marketing, and related teams.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide oversight, guidance, and mentorship to the Internal Communications team, advancing professional development, editorial excellence, process improvements, and innovative thinking.
• Foster a culture of excellence, coaching team members to deliver high-quality work and develop their capabilities as communicators.

Content Creation

• Produce, oversee, and distribute engaging, strategically aligned content across various channels, including the firm's intranet, town halls, email communications, video messages, newsletters, and other platforms.
• Develop multi-format content—articles, scripts, videos, briefings, and presentations.

Measurement, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Establish metrics and analytics frameworks to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communications initiatives, channels, and campaigns.
• Leverage data-driven insights to make informed improvements, demonstrate measurable results, and continuously refine strategies for maximum impact.

Who You Will Work With

You will report to the Chief Communications Officer.

Qualifications

Experience & Expertise

• 10+ years of progressive experience developing strategy and producing high-quality communications content within a legal, corporate, academic, military, or other professional environment.
• Experience working with C-suite or equivalent senior leaders in complex, global, or matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated success managing communication strategies for large-scale organizational changes and strategic initiatives.
• Background in journalism, writing, PR, marketing, executive communications, strategic content, or corporate communications.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic communications planning capabilities.
• Commitment to precision and sophistication in communications
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear narratives for a range of audiences—from executive leadership to broad employee populations across levels and geographies.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing internal channel platforms (intranets, digital workplace tools) across global audiences.
• People leadership experience, including coaching, collaboration across teams, and the ability to lead effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Strong project management and organizational capabilities, with the ability to manage time effectively, prioritize competing demands, and handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and modern collaboration tools.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, or a related field required.

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment

The selected candidate will have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion.

Compensation & Benefits

The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $193,750 - $313,893, depending on the candidate's geographic location, experience, skills, educational background, and overall qualifications.

DLA Piper offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and additional benefits.

Reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position or participate in the selection process. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail].

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

Disclaimer

This job description provides a concise overview of the role and is not intended to describe all work elements that may be performed. It should not serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions. Job duties, requirements, and expectations may be modified at the firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not alter the at-will nature of employment.

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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.