Internal Communications Manager

New York, NY, Chicago, IL, or Washington, DC

Job Description

A global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world, is currently seeking an Internal Communications Manager to join our winning team, located in New York. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. They are driven by our core values: respect, innovation and collaboration.

As an Internal Communications Manager you will have the opportunity to mix strategic and tactical/hands-on responsibilities. The Manager will lead the planning, development and implementation of internal communications and special projects that are firm-wide in scope. Initiatives span both administrative and legal practice/committee functions and will encompass communication strategy, internal campaigns, writing, editing, multimedia conceptualization and implementation, and creative thinking. On a regular basis, the Manager wears many hats, functioning as a strategist, creative consultant, senior advisor, multimedia specialist, copywriter and editor in key areas of firm administration, as well as a support for general communication matters, while accomplishing these and other critical functions:

• Providing creative thinking and strategy consulting for assigned projects, including comprehensive editorial calendars, internal product/service launches, awareness campaigns, issues promotion and special projects.
• Understanding the “larger picture” and firm business goals and effectively combining seemingly disparate elements into cohesive programs.
• Providing strategic counsel regarding current internal communication channels, microsites and portals, and recommending new communication channels including intuitive visual designs for mobile and web.
• Coordinating with other firm departments and committees and developing strong, collegial relationships across functions.
• Generating extremely creative and engaging themes, campaigns and written copy.
• Using innovative and cutting-edge media and communication vehicles to capture attention in a fast-paced professional services environment.
• Researching, drafting and editing a variety of written pieces, including announcements, feature stories, newsletters, handouts and other collateral material.
• Using audio, visual, video, social and other media proficiently and creatively to tell a story.
• Working closely with creative/design and video teams to incorporate compelling graphical elements and multimedia into communications.
• Reviewing and analyzing data to measure effectiveness, impact and engagement of communications programs and special projects
• Promoting effective work practices, working as a team member and showing respect for co-workers.

As an Internal Communications Manager, you will be expected to apply your organizational and communication skills while displaying a positive, high-energy attitude. The successful Manager must have highly developed writing and editing skills, including reading, grammar, spelling and vocabulary, to ensure proper and efficient proofreading and writing; well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm; excellent project (e.g., organizing, planning, prioritization, decision-making) and time-management skills; the ability to manage competing deadlines; analytical skills needed to correctly comprehend and communicate data; and practical problem-solving skills, including the ability to perceive and analyze problems and develop alternative solutions. An ideal candidate must have a track record of creativity and innovative thinking; strong leadership, influencing and consensus-building skills; confidence to provide concise and specific recommendations to senior management; and be comfortable as a “go-to” person for outside-the-box ideas. Additionally, the successful Manager must have the ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion when making majority of decisions; the ability to work in a high-pace environment, either independently or as a member of a project team; the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion; the ability to use PC applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as strong design judgment; and experience managing intranet sites, particularly on the SharePoint platform.

A Bachelor’s degree in English, Management, Business Administration or a related field is required. A minimum of eight (8) years writing, editing and multimedia experience is required, with experience in a professional services organization preferred.