Senior Communications Manager

March 14, 2024 — Multiple Locations

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 law firm, is seeking a Senior Communications Manager to join the Business Development and Marketing team.We prefer candidates who can work from our Chicago, Downtown Los Angeles, or Century City office but will consider candidates who can work from one of our other offices.The other offices we are considering are Washington DC, San Francisco, Orange County, Del Mar, Downtown San Diego, Silicon Valley, Dallas or Houston. There is only one opening. This position has a remote/hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation to be in the office on an as needed basis. Interested candidates should upload a writing sample in their online application.

The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for content creation and upkeep for various marketing channels, including the website, marketing collateral, social media and internal communications. This includes not only revising of existing marketing content but also creation of new content that aligns with the Firm’s strategic vision. The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for creating the marketing style guidelines which articulate the preferred style and tone for marketing content as well as incorporate Firm’s branding standards. All Firm communications and marketing collateral for practices and industry teams and across all functions of the Firm – from Firm leadership, recruiting/talent management, diversity and inclusion, pro bono, to IT and innovation, among others – must reflect the Firm’s client-centric focus, brand and vision, and it is the responsibility of the Senior Communications Manager to ensure a consistent voice in all materials. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills and thrives in a collaborative, matrixed environment. 

Responsibilities:

Internal Communications

  • Lead the strategic rewriting and redesign of the firm's website content, including coordinating internal and external communications for the website launch.

  • Manage business development and marketing content, ensuring collateral is integrated, up-to-date and consistent with Firm brand and style guidelines.

  • Serve as strategist, project lead, copywriter, editor, proofreader and creative consultant across a variety of functions of the Firm, such as practice groups, industry teams, talent management/benefits, diversity and inclusion, pro bono, executive leadership, among others.

  • Assist in the writing and development of thought leadership content.

  • Maintain consistency and quality in messaging across all internal communication channels.

  • Translate complex content into clear, concise and creative communications for diverse media.

  • Work collaboratively with the entire business development and marketing department on internal communications plans and strategies to promote firm press coverage, events, client success stories, and other firm news internal constituents, leveraging the appropriate internal communication channels such as the intranet, etc. 

  • Advise on brand messaging and practice descriptions in various industry directory and award submissions.

  • Manage budget and delivery timelines; oversee external resources, when needed.

  • Work collaboratively with individuals at all levels of a matrixed organization.

  • Provide updates on project progress and team performance to relevant constituents.

  • Stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

  • Demonstrate experience in managing change, engagement and communications programs across a large organization; strong project management skills; exceptional verbal, written, presentation and facilitation skills; knowledge of AP style; in-depth experience with MS Office and social media tools.

  • Demonstrate experience in managing change, engagement and communications programs across a large organization; strong project management skills; exceptional verbal, written, presentation and facilitation skills; knowledge of AP style; in-depth experience with MS Office and social media tools.

Essential Functions of Job:

  • Manage business development and marketing content, ensuring collateral is integrated, up-to-date and consistent with Firm brand and style guidelines.

  • Assist in the writing and development of thought leadership content.

  • Work collaboratively with individuals at all levels of a matrixed organization.

  • Provide updates on project progress and team performance to relevant constituents.

Qualifications and Experience Required Qualifications: 

  • 10+ years of relevant experience in a communications role at a law firm, marketing/communications agency, or other professional services environment (e.g., private equity firm, consulting firm), with demonstrated experience developing content and messaging across a variety of media, including website, marketing collateral and other internal communications channels.

  • Meticulous attention to detail and strong organization and project management skills.

  • Ability to conceptualize, think critically and translate into creative, effective messaging that reflects the Firm brand.

  • Creative, resourceful and ability to work independently, and as part of a team with the ability to build credibility and develop internal and external relationships.

  • Strong writing and editing skills and familiarity with AP Style.

  • Ability to prioritize and see projects through to completion in an environment where priorities change quickly.

  • Good interpersonal skills and proactive attitude.

  • Develop a good knowledge of the firm’s policies and procedures.

  • Thorough understanding of confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with legal rankings and award nominations is a plus (Chambers, Legal 500, etc.).

EducationRequired: Bachelor’s Degree

Major (if applicable): Communications, Journalism or Marketing

Computer/Software KnowledgeRequired: Strong computer skills with proficiency in the Microsoft Suite.

Preferred: Familiarity with organizing Zoom or MS Teams virtual meetings.

Work Environment:

  • You will be based in one of our local Sheppard Mullin offices but will be allowed to work from home.

  • You are required to come into the office on an as-needed basis.

  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Travel Requirements:

Minimal travel, up to 25%.

California: The salary range for this position is $190,000 to $220,000 per year.

APPLY HERE.

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Communications and PR Coordinator