Manager, Communications & PR

Jenner & Block; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago is seeking a Manager, Communications & PR who will lead a talented team within a pioneering, independent Communications department at the firm level. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the role partners with lawyers and staff to drive media engagement, thought leadership, and branding across litigation, investigations, and government work.

The position requires 5–7 years of communications management, strong writing, and adept social media leadership,

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of communications management or equivalent experience.
• Experience in legal industry, government, journalism, or agency preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and implement communications activities supporting the firm's mission.
• Build relationships with journalists and prepare lawyers for interviews.
• Draft/edit press releases, talking points, memos, bylines, and collateral.
• Create content for the website, intranet, and internal communications.
• Design and implement social media campaigns to elevate the brand.
• Collaborate with external PR consultants and ensure standards are met.
• Support inclusion efforts and promote pro bono work.
• Manage submissions for awards for individuals, the firm, and practices.
• Assist in profile raising of in-house counsel with relationship partners.
• Manage placement process for byline articles.

Skills

Communications management

Media relations

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with a fearless reputation and global reach, high-level problem solvers in litigation, government controversies, investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex corporate transactions. With offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, the firm represents a wide range of clients, counseling Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, major nonprofits, top universities, private equity investors, and Native American tribes. Consistently recognized as a firm that stands up for its values with its commitment to justice and community service, Jenner has been named the No. 1 pro bono firm 13 times in the United States by The American Lawyer.

POSTION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer and working collaboratively with the Department's Leadership Team, the Manager, Communications & PR will help drive a talented team of communications professionals within a pioneering model in the legal industry, a fully dedicated Communications department operating independently at the firm level.

In this role, they will act as a trusted advisor to lawyers and professional staff, co-manage communications initiatives, and cultivate meaningful relationships with media, colleagues, and vendors across practice groups including litigation, investigations, and government regulatory work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work with lawyers to identify, develop, and implement communications activities such as media interviews, thought leadership, speaking engagements, events, etc. that support the firm’s mission to be the best at what we do, a great place to work, and a significant contributor to our communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists at key media outlets. Create opportunities to connect partners with key journalists. Prepare lawyers for interviews.
• Draft and edit press releases, talking points, firm memos, bylines, and other communications collaterals.
• Draft and edit content for the firm’s website, intranet, internal communications, and other channels.
• Help design and implement social media campaigns to elevate the firm and its brand.
• Collaborate with and manage external PR consultants and ensure all activities meet firm standards and objectives.
• Support inclusion efforts and promote pro bono work.
• Help manage submissions process for awards, including for individual lawyers, the firm, and specific practice areas.
• Work collaboratively with the firm’s relationship partners to assist in the profile raising of in-house counsel at our clients.
• Manage the placement process for byline articles.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Maintain high standards with attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5-7 years of communications management or equivalent experience.
• Candidates with either legal industry, government, journalism, or agency experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced knowledge of social media platforms.

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the primary duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned. The role may include additional duties, specialized projects, and other tasks as required. The firm reserves the right to modify or adjust the responsibilities to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to commute to the office as required on designated in-office days based on the position. The firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirement

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Jenner will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

EEO Statement

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer.

Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.

Jenner & Block is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health & well-being benefits and 401k profit sharing. The anticipated pay range for this role is $135,000 to $175,000 in Chicago. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.