Senior Manager, External Communications — Hybrid Role

Winston Taylor LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston Taylor LLP in New York is seeking a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America's external communications strategy, oversee media relations, awards, and reputation initiatives, and partner with practice leaders to align with business development goals.

You will direct earned media efforts, manage senior reporters, mentor the team, and coordinate with the Europe team for a unified transatlantic approach, while guiding lawyer-authored content and interview preparation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• 10+ years in communications, media, and/or public relations, preferably within a legal, professional services, financial services, or other complex business environment.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement external marketing communication programs and PR strategy to support firmwide objectives and align with Business Development priorities and events.
• Develop and execute proactive media campaigns that generate impactful earned media coverage across legal, business, industry, and mainstream media outlets.
• Independently manage high‑profile media opportunities, sensitive communications matters, and complex stakeholder situations, including managing press outreach as needed.
• Manage external PR agencies. Ensure seamless information sharing, proactive enablement and prioritization, evaluation of opportunities, reporting, and budget management.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with key journalists, editors, producers, and industry influencers.
• Identify emerging trends, market developments, and competitive opportunities to inform communications strategy and messaging.
• Collaborate with the Europe‑based external communications team for unified transatlantic external strategy.
• Lead strategic aspects of awards, rankings, and survey submissions in partnership with relevant internal teams.
• Provide strategic guidance on the development, positioning, and placement of lawyer‑authored articles, commentary, reports, and signature firm content.
• Draft and oversee the creation of press releases, media materials, messaging documents, executive talking points, and briefing materials.
• Lead media preparation and training efforts for lawyers and firm spokespersons participating in/staffing interviews, panels, and other external engagements.
• Oversee media tracking, reporting, and measurement processes to evaluate the effectiveness of communications initiatives.
• Manage, train, and mentor direct reports.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Leadership

Writing & editing

Crisis communications

Influence without authority

Education

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

Job description

Winston Taylor LLP in New York is seeking a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America's external communications strategy, oversee media relations, awards, and reputation initiatives, and partner with practice leaders to align with business development goals.

You will direct earned media efforts, manage senior reporters, mentor the team, and coordinate with the Europe team for a unified transatlantic approach, while guiding lawyer-authored content and interview preparation.