Senior Manager, External Communications & Reputation

Winston Taylor LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Winston Taylor LLP seeks a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America’s external comms strategy, guiding media relations, awards programs, and thought leadership to raise the firm’s profile and protect its reputation.

You will partner with practice and business leaders, manage senior reporters and agencies, and mentor junior teammates while aligning with cross‑functional goals and events across the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing or related field.
• 10+ years of proven experience in communications, media and/or PR, preferably in professional services.
• Must live within commutable distance to a firm office with in-office 3–4 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key strategic business partner to stakeholders. Design and implement external marketing communication programs and PR strategy.
• Develop and execute proactive media campaigns that generate earned media coverage across outlets.
• Independently manage high‑profile media opportunities and crisis communications with escalation paths.
• Manage external PR agencies with budgeting, reporting and prioritization.
• Build senior relationships with journalists, editors, producers and industry influencers.
• Identify trends to inform strategy and messaging.
• Collaborate with Europe-based team for unified transatlantic strategy.
• Lead awards, rankings and survey submissions to support reputation goals.
• Guide development and placement of lawyer-authored content and briefings.
• Draft press materials and provide media training for lawyers and spokespeople.
• Oversee media tracking, reporting, and measurement of initiatives.
• Manage, train, and mentor direct reports and oversee projects with accountability.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Leadership

Writing & editing

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Job description

Winston Taylor LLP seeks a Senior Manager, External Communications to lead America’s external comms strategy, guiding media relations, awards programs, and thought leadership to raise the firm’s profile and protect its reputation.

You will partner with practice and business leaders, manage senior reporters and agencies, and mentor junior teammates while aligning with cross‑functional goals and events across the firm.