Senior Manager of Public Relations

About Ropes & Gray Ropes & Gray is a preeminent global law firm. The firm has been ranked in the top three on The American Lawyer's prestigious A-List for eight consecutive years and #1 on Law.com's UK A-List twice in the past three years - rankings that honor the "best of the best" law firms.The firm has approximately 2,500 lawyers and professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology, and government in Boston, Chicago, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C.The firm has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including asset management, private equity, M&A, finance, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring.Ropes & Gray is an equal opportunity employer. Overview The Senior Manager of Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing integrated external communications plans that promote the firm’s attorneys, practices, pro bono activities, and special initiatives. This role oversees daily PR operations, manages proactive and reactive public relations efforts, and leads a team that includes a PR Manager and PR Specialist to ensure high performance and achievement of strategic objectives in a collaborative, results-driven environment. Acting as a strategic communications advisor to firm leadership, practice chairs, and partners, the Senior Manager provides counsel on executive visibility, media positioning, and thought leadership strategy. The position utilizes AI-enabled media monitoring, media databases, and predictive analytics tools to generate insights and drive measurable impact across communications initiatives, drawing on extensive experience in an Am Law firm or specialized professional services environment to translate complex legal achievements and high-stakes matters into clear, sophisticated, and newsworthy content for business, legal, and trade media. Responsibilities Act as a strategic, trusted communications advisor to firm leadership, practice group leaders, and partners, providing ongoing counsel on executive visibility, media positioning, and thought leadership strategyDevelop and implement comprehensive, high-impact public relations campaigns to build the firm's profile in key growth practices including Private Equity, M&A, Asset Management, Life Sciences, and Health CareWrite and edit press releases, briefing sheets, holding statements, and media pitchesServe as a key point of contact for inbound media inquiriesPartner closely with the Director of Communications and Public Relations to manage complex, sensitive issues and provide rapid, clear-headed crisis communications guidanceTranslate complex legal achievements, corporate transactional matters, and high-stakes litigation victories into clear, sophisticated, and newsworthy content for business, legal, and trade mediaCultivate and expand deep, long-standing relationships with key national, international, business, and legal trade journalists, influencers, and media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platformsPosition firm attorneys as go-to authoritative sources and stay current on trending topics across multiple practice areas to identify timely opportunities for media engagementPrepare, brief, and coach partners and senior leadership ahead of media interviews; provide proactive counsel on communications efforts and effective media strategiesDevelop and deliver comprehensive media training workshops and messaging frameworksSecure speaking engagements and other thought leadership opportunities for firm attorneysSource and place partner-authored bylined articles and legal alertsLead, mentor, and develop communications colleagues, including direct management of the PR Manager and PR Specialist. Provide ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities to ensure team members are engaged, productive, and aligned with department goals. Foster a collaborative team culture and actively support the growth and success of direct reports.Collaborate with external PR agencies and consultants, oversee budgets and contracts, identify new technology and software, set clear KPIs to evaluate performance and maximize ROICollaborate across Marketing & Business Development department to create integrated communications strategies that leverage PR and digital platformsEnsure consistency of brand voice, messaging, and tone across all PR efforts in alignment with the firm's brand guidelines and objectivesEstablish performance reporting frameworks utilizing AI-enabled media monitoring, media databases, and predictive analytics toolsTrack the effectiveness of PR campaigns, measure and analyze media coverage, and prepare detailed quarterly reports providing actionable insights, trends, campaign performance metrics, and overall PR impact to executive leadership Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required; Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree highly preferred10–15 years of progressive public relations experience, including at least five years with a PR agency, law firm, professional services organization, or media outletExtensive experience within an Am Law firm or specialized professional services environment strongly preferredDemonstrated success leading PR initiatives for world-class organizationsImpeccable professional judgment and ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential informationExceptional writing, editing, and research skills, with proficiency in synthesizing complex information into clear, compelling content for attorneys and senior executivesStrong project management abilities and proficiency with media databases, monitoring tools, and standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Established relationships with print, broadcast, and social media influencersExperience working with C-level executives and senior partnersProven track record in developing, mentoring, and managing junior colleagues, including the PR Manager and PR SpecialistCreativity in developing and executing strategic PR plans, securing media coverage, and leveraging social media channelsAbility to align communications initiatives to firmwide business objectivesHigh degree of professionalism, discretion, and proactive problem-solvingCapacity to operate confidently and make sound decisions under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environmentStrong collaboration skills, with ability to work across practices, functions, and seniority levels within a large global organizationAdaptability and intellectual curiosity regarding evolving technologies such as generative AI and their application to communications and marketingEnthusiasm for identifying and telling new storiesStrong leadership and people management skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and develop direct reports Compensation and Total Rewards Package Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.New York: $161,000 - $257,600 Working Conditions This position requires hybrid on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Consistent and predictable on-site presence is required for ongoing business continuity, professional development and effective collaboration with colleagues and management.Job Summary