Public Relations Manager, Media Relations

Kirkland & Ellis; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago, seeks a Public Relations Manager within the Marketing and Business Development group to shape media relations and elevate the firm's reputation.

You'll partner with senior leaders and attorneys to develop integrated communications strategies, craft thought leadership, manage media outreach and advise spokespersons across global channels.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and execute media strategies for high-profile clients.
• Experience writing and editing press releases, pitches and thought leadership.
• Strong storytelling skills across traditional and digital channels.
• Ability to coach executives and prepare spokespersons for interviews.
• Adept at translating complex topics into clear messages for diverse audiences.
• Track record of managing multiple campaigns and prioritising effectively.
• Comfort with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with MS Office, AP style and media monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and editors.
• Develop and execute integrated PR programs aligned with firm objectives.
• Write, edit and distribute press materials and content.
• Coach attorneys and firm reps for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Translate complex legal topics into clear, engaging messages for audiences.
• Collaborate on campaigns linking earned media, social, and events.
• Track coverage and report on program effectiveness.
• Partner with leaders across time zones to advance priorities.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Content development

Executive advisory

Message development

Campaign integration

Measurement & reporting

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or English

Job description

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives on building media relationships, crafting compelling stories and elevating brand reputation in a fast-paced professional services environment?

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Public Relations Manager within the Communications team of the Firm’s Marketing and Business Development (MBD) department. This highly visible position offers the opportunity to partner closely with senior leadership, attorneys and colleagues across the business to develop and execute communications strategies that strengthen the Firm’s reputation and showcase its unique culture and market‑leading capabilities. You’ll help drive integrated communications initiatives, manage media relations efforts, develop thought leadership opportunities and serve as a trusted advisor to Firm spokespersons.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Public Relations, you’ll collaborate with colleagues across the Firm’s global BD, research, marketing and communications functions, who prioritize creativity, responsiveness and a hands‑on approach to getting results. The MBD team operates from a team‑first mindset and values honesty, diligence, collaboration, and open communication.

• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets while identifying and securing opportunities that increase visibility for key practice areas and Firm leaders.


• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute integrated public relations programs that align with Firm objectives, communications strategy and brand priorities.


• Content Development: Write, edit and distribute press releases, deal announcements, media pitches, award submissions, internal communications and other high-impact content.


• Executive Advisory: Coach and support attorneys and Firm representatives as they prepare for interviews, speaking engagements and other public-facing opportunities.


• Message Development: Translate complex legal, business and industry topics into clear, concise and engaging communications for a variety of audiences.


• Campaign Integration: Collaborate on campaigns that connect earned media, social media, digital channels, conferences, speaking engagements and internal communications.


• Measurement & Reporting: Track media coverage, evaluate program effectiveness, maintain media lists and support communications reporting and analytics.


• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with attorneys, leadership and cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities and advance communications priorities.


• Team Support: Share knowledge, provide guidance to junior team members, and contribute to the overall success of the MBD function.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, public relations, communications or English; 8+ years of experience in communications and/or marketing roles, ideally working in a PR agency, law firm or professional services environment, preferred.


• Writing & Editing Excellence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce accurate, polished and engaging content for diverse audiences.


• Media Expertise: Experience developing media strategies, managing press relationships and identifying opportunities that enhance organizational visibility and reputation.


• Strategic Judgment: Sound decision-making skills and the ability to navigate complex, high‑profile or sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.


• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.


• Executive Presence: Confidence and credibility when partnering with senior leaders and advising stakeholders in high‑stakes situations.


• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Outstanding interpersonal skills and a team‑first mindset that enables effective partnership across functions, offices and time zones.


• Adaptability: Intellectual curiosity, problem‑solving ability and a willingness to explore innovative communication approaches and emerging technologies.


• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Associated Press (AP) style, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and communications technologies such as media monitoring platforms, media databases, social media tools and content management systems.

If you’re excited to shape high‑impact communications, build influential media relationships and help drive the reputation of a world‑class organization in this Public Relations Manager role, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in each of the below locations. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range

Chicago: $145,000 - $191,000

New York: $145,000 - $211,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.