Hybrid Communications Manager

at Alston & Bird

• Job title: Communications Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $115,000 - $220,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, New York City, United States

About the role

• Communications Manager responsible for planning and executing strategic communication for a law firm. Developing internal and external communications to enhance firm visibility and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Communications Director and other firm leaders to develop, innovate, and constantly refine the firm’s internal and external communications strategies, including all aspects of proactive and reactive media relations
• Manage day-to-day activities of junior communications colleagues, working in tandem with the Communications Director
• Co-manage the firm’s long‑standing and highly successful relationship with its external PR agency
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to promote firm news through multiple internal and external channels, including the firm’s website, social media platforms, media relations, and a weekly firmwide internal newsletter
• Manage the firm’s survey responses and awards nominations efforts
• Collaborate closely with the Communications Director to advise firm leaders, attorneys, and operational staff on a range of communications issues and special situations
• Develop, refine, and execute the firm’s social media strategy and supervise related efforts by communications team and others across the firm
• Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, social media, website content, talking points, and other materials
• Provide editorial and project management support, in collaboration with attorneys and colleagues throughout the department, for selected thought leadership communications, including advisories, publications, and byline articles
• Support communications and business development colleagues in guiding the firm’s strategy and project management for legal directories and other submissions
• Partner with colleagues and vendors to produce and disseminate reports and analyses that inform the measurement, assessment, and continuous improvement of communications activities
• Conduct research for various needs, including monitoring of competitor activity, by identifying and leveraging appropriate resources.
• Provide counsel to colleagues across the firm to assess and navigate a range of communications opportunities, solicitations, and proposals from current and prospective vendors as well as other sources
• Adhere to firm Marketing & Business Development style guidelines, processes, and workflows, and encouraging others to follow relevant brand standards and communications protocols.
• Understand the purpose and scope of all key communications team projects and department processes; remaining aware of updates, developments, and challenges to manage, collaborate with, back up, and support colleagues, as needed.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or bachelor's degree is required
• Minimum five years of communications experience in a large law firm or other professional services environment desired
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong “news judgment” and a solid understanding of journalistic and editorial standards, practices, and dynamics
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including a high level of professionalism and executive presence
• High proficiency in Microsoft Outlook Suite, including advanced calendar management, Microsoft Word, including advanced formatting and track‑changes functionality
• Strong interest in writing, editing, legal marketing, media relations, current events, and social media strategy.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to engage with employees and the community at large