Senior External Communications Leader – Americas

Winston Taylor LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement contributions

Discretionary bonus

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Winston Taylor LLP in Washington, DC, seeks a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America-focused external communications, directing media relations, awards programs, and reputation-building initiatives. You will partner with practice and business leaders, aligning with Europe-based teams to drive cross-border campaigns.

You will design and execute proactive media strategies, manage high-profile opportunities, and mentor junior staff while shaping messaging for lawyers and firm

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field is required.
• 10+ years of proven experience in communications, media, and/or public relations.
• Must live within a commutable distance to a firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days a week.
• Demonstrated success developing and leading strategic communications and media relations programs.
• Established relationships with legal, business, and industry media and a proven record of securing high‑impact earned media coverage.
• Experience advising senior executives, partners, or other professional stakeholders on communications strategy and media engagement.
• Strong reputation management, issues management, and media relations expertise.
• Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, and verbal skills.
• Experience managing external agencies and driving accountability against strategic objectives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, budget and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience, including guiding junior communications professionals.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key strategic business partner to stakeholders.
• Develop and execute proactive media campaigns that generate earned media coverage.
• Independently manage high‑profile media opportunities and crisis communications.
• Manage external PR agencies and budget management.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Identify emerging trends to inform strategy and messaging.
• Collaborate with Europe-based team for unified strategy.
• Lead awards, rankings, and survey submissions with internal teams.
• Provide guidance on lawyer-authored articles, commentary, and briefs.
• Draft and oversee press materials and briefing documents.
• Lead media training for lawyers and spokespersons.
• Oversee media tracking, reporting, and measurement.
• Manage, train, and mentor direct reports.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Leadership & mentoring

Written communication

Budget management

Project management

Crisis communications

Influence without authority

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Job description

Winston Taylor LLP in Washington, DC, seeks a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America-focused external communications, directing media relations, awards programs, and reputation-building initiatives. You will partner with practice and business leaders, aligning with Europe-based teams to drive cross-border campaigns.

You will design and execute proactive media strategies, manage high-profile opportunities, and mentor junior staff while shaping messaging for lawyers and firm