Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Media Relations Manager in the Marketing department, reporting directly to the Director of Communications.
The position will reside in the New York office and will be responsible for providing support for the firm’s public relations and media relations efforts in the U.S. The Media Relations Manager is expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s clients, attorneys, advisors and staff, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:
- Assume a leading role in identifying opportunities and securing placements to generate visibility for the firm and its lawyers across targeted earned media channels. This includes liaising with the firm’s external PR agencies and members of the business development team and other business services teams to identify client successes, trends, issues and feature stories for partner commentary, with an eye towards ensuring maximum exposure before targeted audiences.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with reporters and editors at key legal, business and trade publications, particularly those in the legal industry as well as the corporate/M&A, white collar litigation, restructuring, investment funds and IP sectors, among others.
- Lead the development of media and PR-focused communications plans for practice areas across the firm, firm initiatives and special reports.
- Working with stakeholders across the firm, draft and disseminate news releases relating to lateral partner hires, deals, victories, accolades, pro bono successes and other firm news and initiatives.
- Place bylined articles in legal and trade publications, including via the republication of existing thought leadership content. Provide editorial guidance as necessary.
- Lead efforts on the communications team to ensure timely collection, drafting and posting of news items regarding attorney speaking engagements, media appearances and articles to the internal firm portal and/or website.
- Lead the creation and editing of the firm’s daily internal newsletter, “The Daily Buzz”.
- Assist in the drafting of firmwide communications for firm management, as well as other high-level internal communications.
- Working with the senior communications manager, provide support for the firm’s social media efforts, including assisting in the development and preparation of postings on social networking sites including LinkedIn.
- As needed, provide communications and PR support for ad hoc projects across the firm.
QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES):
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public relations, journalism, marketing, business or a communications-related field
- Five to seven years of experience in a similar public relations, media relations and marketing capacity; prior experience with a law firm, public relations agency or professional services firm is preferred
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong writing and editing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and secure visibility for high value PR opportunities.
- Ability to quickly and proactively identify and analyze problems, develop solutions and deliver results
- Knowledge of and familiarity with online and electronic newswire services, media tracking and Internet research resources
- Poise, tact and professionalism when interacting with internal and external contacts
- A high degree of comfort in liaising with firm leadership and management
- Ability to prioritize and manage workload, work independently and as a member of teams, and complete tasks under time pressure as necessary
- Strong leadership skills and willingness to function as a role model within the department and office
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values
- Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
- Commitment to professional growth and development
- Commitment to the office and firm
- Strong work ethic, service orientation, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and firm management, and outside business partners
- Ability to work extended hours as necessary to fulfill time sensitive responsibilities
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