Senior Communications Manager - Hybrid PR & Media Strategy

DLA Piper LLP; Short Hills (NJ); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Senior Communications Manager to lead strategic public relations and media relations, elevating the firm’s reputation across practices, sectors, and markets. You will collaborate with lawyers, firm leaders, and external agencies to develop and execute communications strategies.

You will identify compelling stories, craft messaging, and build relationships with journalists, guiding communications for national, regional, and industry publications.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in marketing, public relations or similar field.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism or related field.
• Experience in a law firm, professional services organization, PR agency, or similarly complex environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads public relations initiatives that raise the profile of the firm’s key practices, including pitching compelling story ideas, promoting thought leadership, and securing commentary opportunities on emerging legal and market trends.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key journalists and media outlets, identifying opportunities to strengthen the firm’s visibility and connect lawyers with media opportunities related to timely legal, business, regulatory, and industry developments.
• Provides strategic media counsel to firm leaders and lawyers, including guidance on positioning, messaging, media opportunities, and interview preparation.
• Develops media pitches, briefing materials, key messages, talking points, press releases, statements, and other external communications.
• Monitors media trends and coverage to identify emerging opportunities, issues, and conversations relevant to the firm and its clients.
• Works closely with external PR agencies to develop and execute media strategies and campaigns, providing direction and ensuring alignment with firm priorities.
• Collaborates across Communications, Marketing, Business Development, Digital, and other teams to ensure a coordinated approach to external communications.
• Contributes to special projects and other external communications initiatives as needed.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Media relations strategy

Journalist engagement

Strategic communications

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

DLA Piper is seeking a Senior Communications Manager to lead strategic public relations and media relations, elevating the firm’s reputation across practices, sectors, and markets. You will collaborate with lawyers, firm leaders, and external agencies to develop and execute communications strategies.

You will identify compelling stories, craft messaging, and build relationships with journalists, guiding communications for national, regional, and industry publications.