Internal Communications Specialist

New York, NY

Role Summary

The Internal Communications Specialist is the lead on implementing the firm’s internal communications strategy under the leadership of the [Marketing Communications Manager / Global Head of Communications].

The Specialist is responsible for communicating news about deals, matters, events, projects, services and other firm developments to the firm’s global internal audience. This includes developing story ideas, researching, writing, editing and posting feature stories across our internal communications channels including the firm’s intranet, newsletters and in-person meetings.

With guidance from the [Marketing Communications Manager / Global Head of Communications] the purpose of the role is to proactively promote our achievements, news, and values in alignment with the firm’s strategy to increase engagement with our internal audience. Develop and manage communications plans, provide communications advice, and participate in project teams as needed for firmwide initiatives. Continuously develop and launch new features, pages, and tools/Apps to ensure that our communications remain relevant to the firm’s global internal audience. Tracking, analyzing and measuring progress against goals for assigned projects/initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee Firm News and feature sections on the firm intranet global home page, ensuring that news about deals, awards, and other accomplishments is reported in a timely manner and promotes the firm’s global strategy and goals. Responsible for developing story ideas, researching, conducting interviews, writing, and posting articles; designing and posting images for feature stories; editing articles submitted by others; ensuring that all materials conform to editorial style; maintaining an editorial calendar including all events and scheduled news; and updating New York Office firm intranet page with latest news.
• Manage our internal global newsletter including writing, editing, formatting, and distributing the publication; redesigning as necessary to better serve the internal audience; tracking readership data and collaborating with technical team to consistently improve distribution and engagement.
• Create, manage and implement internal communications plans and campaigns, and provide editorial guidance as needed, for internal stakeholders across departments, practices and groups at the firm.
• Contribute writing, research, and editing for memos, newsletters, brochures, Intranet and Web pages, and speeches as needed.
• Promote firm intranet as a useful resource for the firm worldwide. Be an active member of the intranet team to identify opportunities to maximize engagement and implement new applications for firm intranet home page.
• Utilize all available internal communications channels including instant messaging, Apps, social media, video, voicemail.
• As member of firm’s SWAT team, help firm management communicate essential information (written and recorded messages) during crisis/emergency situations. 

Wider Communications Services

• Assist in writing and editing other communications as required (e.g. articles, reports, white papers, surveys)
• Ensure opportunities are being fully realized across communication channels including working closely with the Media Relations Managers and Digital Communications Specialist in New York who manages the firm’s social media channels
• Distribute regular internal communication regarding media coverage highlights
• Regularly make recommendations to maximize content distribution across internal communications channels
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Positive, assertive and enthusiastic
• Must be excellent writer, editor, and proofreader, with strong interviewing skills
• Confident and proactive personality is a must, with the ability to build relationships quickly with firm leaders, partners and other key stakeholders and strengthen them over time
• Strong advising and influencing skills
• Strong sense of teamwork but confident to work autonomously
• Ability to work to tight deadlines within a fast paced environment
• Knowledge of html, SharePoint, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, PowerPoint and basic graphic design experience preferred
• Ability to conform writing/images to house editorial and brand style guidelines and educate others about these rules as needed
• Journalism, project management, and speechwriting experience helpful
• Digital photography experience also desirable

Education & Experience

• 4 year college degree or equivalent
• At least 7 years of solid professional services writing and editing experience, preferably gained in a law firm, other professional services or consulting environment

Physical Activity/Other Miscellaneous

• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed