External Communications Manager

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 1400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The External Communications Manager supports the firm’s proactive and reactive public relations strategy by identifying, pitching and placing opportunities that align with firm, practice, industry, and individual profile-raising priorities. This position is fully embedded in an integrated and global marketing, communications and business development team and partners with firm stakeholders to successfully implement strategic communication programs. The role will be based in London but will provide support across all of our European offices.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with priority media outlets and key industry influencers
• Develop strong relationships with firm stakeholders, including leadership, lawyers and lateral hires
• Collaborate with the wider brand and communications teams, business development, events and practice/industry marketing teams to implement strategic communication programs that align with business objectives and plans
• Monitor ongoing industry trends, editorial calendars and competitor activity, and provide trend analysis
• Identify media opportunities, actively leading topic generation efforts and collaboration across practices and markets
• Pitch and place profile-raising coverage
• Craft media messages, including research and writing of press releases, drafting of deal announcements and other client-related communications as well as copy for .com
• Serve as a firm contact for media requests, coordinating information and interview preparation
• Collaborate with external agencies as directed by communications leaders
• Use Salesforce proficiently to track PR activity, and use data to report to stakeholders and inform public relations plans 
• Leverage firm’s news distribution and media monitoring tools
• Track and report on KPIs and media metrics, and maintain a working knowledge of firm technologies and other resources
• Track and report coverage using internal announcements, newsletters, and .com, among others
• Align and help implement firmwide processes around media relations
• Provide back-up support to our global communications team 

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least five (5) years of related work experience
• Ability to build strong media relationships within key sectors
• Knowledge of news distribution, media monitoring and tracking software 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of German (ideally) or French
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritise responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative
• Ability to travel as needed

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.