Specialist, Business Development Communications

Job Description

Responsible for public relations for Corporate Department, including transactional and finance practices, with a focus on proactive profile raising in top-tier and legal trade media. Work closely with practice group leaders, other Firm Partners and Director of Communications on developing integrated external communication plans that support strategic initiatives and executing on those plans. 

Primary Responsibilities and/or Essential Functions

• Public Relations for Corporate Department.
• Assist in developing integrated external communications plans to support strategic initiatives, through working with practice group leaders, other Firm partners and Director of Communications.
• Proactively work with Director of Communications, as well as practice group leaders and other Firm partners, to generate media and other profile raising opportunities.
• Daily contact with journalists at top tier business and trade publications.
• Coordinate with Business Development colleagues on developing content.
• Place attorney-authored articles in legal and business trades.
• Disseminate Firm press releases and news items/deal announcements that relate to the Corporate Department on a real-time basis.
• Coordinate and track interviews between Weil attorneys and media outlets/reporters, ensuring they are connecting to the correct attorneys and that conflicts are
• Special projects as they occur or are needed.
• Additional related responsibilities as requested. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 5 years of mid-level communications experience, developing and implementing integrated communications that support corporate strategic initiatives.
• Experience working with journalists from top tier business and legal trade media on both a proactive and reactive basis
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills to interface with all levels at the firm.  Articulate with strong influencing and persuasion skills and superior ability to collaborate cross functionally.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills and the ability to handle and monitor multiple projects on a regular basis.
• Understanding of media requirements and deadlines.
• Knowledge of strategic communications with a strong understanding of effective external communications and stakeholder management as a key business driver.
• Proven and measurable experience in the areas of public relations, media relations, community relations, and corporate responsibility.
• Impeccable attention to detail and creative flair
• Understanding of website architecture, functionality and limitations
• Aptitude for understanding new technologies quickly.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe and other publishing software.
• Strong understanding and relationships with key members of the legal trade media outlets.
• Superior team player; positive attitude; high energy, drive, determination and collaborative nature.
• Previous experience working in a legal or professional services environment highly preferred.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, High GPA preferred.