Communications Specialist

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist (“Specialist”) supports the firm’s external communications and internal communications functions. The Specialist will work with the department’s management team to advance the firm’s communications through the creation, execution and analysis of strategic campaigns. The incumbent will demonstrate leadership in generating promotional content across platforms (web, social media, email, print) for multiple audiences, including firm lawyers and employees, media outlets and legal directories, alumni, and other stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with the Director and Senior Manager(s) to create, implement, and manage strategy for proactive campaigns. Supports efforts to develop the team’s strategic communications plan.
• Supports the firm’s lists/directory/rankings/awards program by identifying opportunities to promote the firm, individual lawyers, practices, and strategic initiatives for appropriate rankings, surveys, and lists; maintaining the annual calendar; drafting submissions; and securing timely approvals.    
• Takes lead on external-facing writing initiatives, such as drafting media pitches, press releases, talking points, social media messaging, and submissions for the firm’s lists/directory/rankings/awards program. Supports social media promotion efforts in tandem with other marketing functions.
• Supports the Senior Managers in handling day-to-day internal and external inquiries and requests of a busy communications office.  This may include screening requests, preforming relevant conflicts checks, identifying appropriate attorney for response, routing information to proper practice group and leadership contacts, and scheduling interviews.
• Maintains news placements and supports the timely dissemination of media mentions about the firm, its practices, its lawyers and strategic initiatives to firm management, practice chairs, and others as appropriate.
• Manages the firm’s awards submission program by working with relevant attorneys and practice group management to identify award opportunities and create compelling and creative submissions.  
• Coordinates with the department’s management team on the development of and projects related to the firm's internal communications.   
• Posts content to the firm’s website, intranet and social media channels, as appropriate.  
• Creates internal and external announcements that convey a consistent voice, tone, attention to accuracy, and, where appropriate, advance the firm’s strategic aims. 
• Leads publicity efforts, as assigned, surrounding several key firm events and other internal and external initiatives, including placement of bylined articles by firm attorneys.
• Tracks analytics regarding PR and internal communications efforts on a continuous basis and reports trends to Director.  
• Engages in editorial efforts and publication special reports that require close work with partners and practice group business managers.
• Collaborates with all Marketing & Communications team members to help achieve the firm’s overall marketing, public relations, internal communications and business development objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a cooperative, enthusiastic and friendly manner to accomplish position functions and participate in team efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate creatively, clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with attorneys, staff, outside media organizations, and vendors.  Requires creativity, discretion and ability to persuade others.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize a heavy workload in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts, regarding matters of a complex nature and to build effective relationships.  
• Understanding of general communications areas is a must: public relations, public affairs, journalism, internal communications, and digital communications (i.e., website, social media, blogging).
• Ability to make presentations to small and/or large groups in an effective manner.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS to produce quality written communications such as memos, spreadsheets, slides, and standard work documents. Familiarity with content management systems to post web and social media content is desired. 
• Ability to build relationships with targeted online, print, and broadcast media for the purpose of advancing the firm’s profile-raising efforts.
• Ability to track and analyze analytics for the purpose of demonstrating the effectiveness of communications efforts.
• Ability to engage outside vendors, including PR agencies.
• Strong writing and editing abilities; understanding of AP Style is a must.
• Ability to work overtime, as needed.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, or marketing is a plus. Equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for education.

Experience

The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of experience during which knowledge, skills and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated. Legal industry, government, and/or PR agency experience preferred. Significant writing and project management experience is highly desired.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

Our Firm is committed to fair and equitable compensation practice in accordance with applicable laws. The salary range for this position is $83,000 - $108,000. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. The salary for this position may vary based on location, market data, an applicant’s skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors.

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