Associate Director of External Communications

Job Description The Associate Director of External Communications develops, directs, and implements the firm’s proactive and reactive public relations and social media strategy to align with firm, practice and industry standards, and individual profile‑raising priorities. This senior‑level role leads a team of in‑house and agency resources, advises firm leadership, and collaborates with brand, communications, and practice/industry teams. Responsibilities Public Relations Develop annual pro‑active media strategy that delivers measurable outcomes. Monitor industry trends to align firm and practice‑level priorities. Establish and maintain positive relationships with top‑tier media outlets and key industry influencers. Craft messaging; pitch and place profile‑raising coverage for the firm. Manage external agency resources; direct agency priorities and oversee annual contract or statement‑of‑work negotiations. Oversee in‑house staff resources, including backup support for UK/European offices. Collaborate with MCBD and practice/industry teams to develop and implement strategic communication programs. Track and report KPIs and media metrics; maintain knowledge of firm technologies, including AI tools, media news distribution and monitoring tools. Provide media relations training and interview preparation as needed. Monitor industry trends and competitor activity; contribute to brand positioning and messaging to key stakeholders. Oversee PR‑related spend within the brand and communications budget. Social Media Lead the firm’s social media strategy and program execution across priority channels, aligning content and campaigns with firm, practice, industry standards, and individual profile‑raising priorities. Supervise and develop social media team members; establish priorities, workflows, quality control, and coverage to meet deadlines. Establish social media governance, including channel standards, brand voice and tone, approvals, content guidelines, and escalation protocols in coordination with firm leadership. Develop and manage an editorial planning cadence (e.g., content calendars) in partnership with MCBD and firm departments. Oversee social media measurement and reporting (engagement, reach, follower growth, and other metrics) and optimize strategy and content based on performance insights. Coordinate social media monitoring and response in support of issues management and crisis communications. Manage social media‑related vendors/agencies, reviewing deliverables and ensuring value for spend. Collaborate with UK/European offices to support coordinated messaging and execution across accounts, markets, and time zones. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of ten (10) years of related work experience. Proven success in planning, developing, and executing public relations and social media strategies to achieve desired results. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated media relationships within key sectors. Ability to deliver in ambiguous and high‑pressure environments. Ability to partner with C‑suite executives. Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities. Capacity to handle confidential information. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and take initiative. Willingness to work in an office environment and travel as needed. Compensation and Benefits Target hiring range: $203,000 – $288,000. Full‑time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. Additional benefits include competitive health, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with company match, and various wellness and parental leave programs. Physical Demands and Work Environment Employee must sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear. Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Work environment is a typical indoor office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. #J-18808-Ljbffr