Coordinator of Communications

Coordinator of Communications

Reports to:  Senior Manager of Communications 

Summary

The Coordinator of Communications supports the Marketing and Business Development team’s efforts by researching, strategizing and executing marketing communications programs – including media relations, thought leadership, surveys and award submissions and other promotional activity relating to the Firm’s key areas of practice. Also frequently interfaces with partners and other attorneys on internal and external communications, including matter collection and distribution; also coordinates efforts with external PR agencies, marketing colleagues and other resources. This role also supports certain business development initiatives. 

Job Relationships

Reports to the Communications Manager and works closely with all members of the Marketing and Business Development Department. This position also regularly involves activities and projects that involve attorneys and non-marketing personnel. 

Responsibilities

Primary

• Monitors select media outlets, relevant news and interactive channels; gathers, synthesizes, formats and distributes relevant news and other updates internally.
• Manages the collection and verification of Firm deals and matters (from attorneys) for internal and external distribution and logging.
• Manages and maintains media tracking and reporting mechanisms – including but not limited to the Firm’s media log, weekly press highlights and campaign updates.
• Provides supporting role in supervising Firm’s external PR agencies and coordinates content distribution with them.
• Helps identify reporters of interest to the Firm and its practices; facilitates introductions to key thought leaders and potential sources; plays a leading role in the maintenance and development of mutually beneficial relationships over the long term.
• Works with communications managers to conceive, plan and execute PR campaigns for select Firm matters, institutional developments, practice-level developments, thought leadership topics, legal developments and commentary on secular trends.
• Works closely with marketing colleagues, attorneys and other parties and thought leaders on all aspects of strategic communications – including content development, messaging, delivery and measurement.
• Plays a leading role in the development of submissions, updates, responses and other content to enhance the Firm’s standing in the appropriate directories, surveys, lists and awards programs.
• Supports other strategic communications initiatives through research, writing, editing, project management and other tasks.
• Plays supporting role in day-to-day management of content updates for the intranet and select portions of the Firm’s external website.

Secondary

• Assists occasionally with staffing events held by the Firm (i.e. holiday party)
• Supports the business development function, as appropriate:
• Researches and compiles targeted reports on potential targets, existing clients, industries, regional markets, financial products, competitors and internal financial information
• Assists with updating and maintaining contact and opportunity information within the Firm’s relationship management systems

Job Specifications

• A 4-Year College degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in marketing communications, media relations and/or business development within a medium to large professional services environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to develop and deliver executive-level communications plans, messaging documents, research reports, press releases, media pitches and coverage updates
• Ability to synthesize research and knowledge base in order to provide sophisticated marketing and business development recommendations to partners and associates
• Strong multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to counsel attorneys and staff on communications issues, including preparation for interviews and byline articles
• Ability to interface with media and other third parties in both proactive and reactive contexts
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a variety of people and departments
• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to work beyond normal work hours as needed.
• Familiarity with the legal industry and relevant industry trade publications, directories and other media channels preferred
• Aptitude for using financial/research databases
• Ability to compile and communicate analysis reports in an effective manner
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Attendance               

• All positions require punctuality and regular attendance. 

Technology Skills

• Must be highly skilled in MS Suite – Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with marketing related databases preferred