Associate Director

Associate Director of External Communications (Litigation)Cooley is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications for Litigation to join the Communications team.Position summary: Working closely with the Director of Communications, firm leadership, the broader communications team and other business functions, the Associate Director of External Communications - Litigation will help shape and execute strategic external communications programs that enhance, differentiate and protect the department's and Cooley's reputation. The role will lead proactive media relations and reputation-building efforts across the department, helping to bring Cooley's perspective and client work to the forefront of the business, technology and legal developments shaping the innovation economy. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Position responsibilities:Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals responsible for building and maintaining relationships with influential mediaWork closely with the Department Chair and litigation practice leadership to develop communications strategies that support business priorities, strengthen Cooley's position in key markets and highlight the distinctive capabilities of the firm, its practices and lawyersOversee the strategic direction of the awards and recognitions program for the department, including prioritization, processes and the development of key submissionsWrite and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communicationsDevelop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources that support a coordinated and effective external communications functionIdentify and shape compelling stories around the department, its clients and its lawyers, particularly across the industries and issues driving the innovation economyLead proactive external communications campaigns that position Cooley litigation lawyers as authoritative voices through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotionServe as a spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiriesAdvise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile mattersProvide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparationDevelop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materialsTeam leadership and management:Serve as mentor to direct reportsProvide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policiesSupport business professional development and continued educational opportunitiesIn collaboration with immediate supervisor and HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle eventsPerform other duties as assigned or requiredSkills and experience:Required:After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applicationsAbility to work extended and/or weekend hours, as requiredAbility to travel, as requiredMinimum 8 years' direct experience (e.g., communications, public relations experience with B2B clients and at a management level) with 4+ years' management experience (some at the senior level preferred)Bachelor's degree preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related fieldExperience operating at a level beyond current role expectations, providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team directionExperience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counselingStrong working knowledge of and contacts within National print, broadcast and online media. Strong handle on financial markets and business concepts and related subject matterExperience with crisis and issues management communicationsUnderstanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practicesPreferred:Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency environment, and/or in government service/political realms10+ years applicable experience strongly preferredCompetencies:Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners on strategy and execution of communications objectivesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsExceptional writing skills and strong attention to detailAbility to lead others in developing and executing on initiatives and large-scale projectsAbility to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teamsStrong interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politicsJudicious, fast-thinking and able to excel in a fast-paced environmentAbility to consistently meet deadlines, including self-set and multi-taskedAbility to develop professional relationships both internally (with department members, lawyers and firm business professionals) and externally (with industry/regional associations, etc.)Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communicationCooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices.EOE.The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $200,000 - $240,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 25 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.