Associate Director of External Communications - Litigation

Responsibilities Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals Build and maintain relationships with influential media Develop communications strategies with the Department Chair and litigation practice leadership Support business priorities, strengthen Cooley’s position in key markets and highlight the firm’s distinctive capabilities Oversee the department’s awards and recognitions program, including prioritization, processes and key submissions Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communications Develop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources for an effective external communications function Identify and shape compelling stories around the department, clients and lawyers Lead proactive external communications campaigns through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotion Serve as spokesperson and primary media contact Advise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile matters Provide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparation Develop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materials Mentor direct reports Supervise direct reports and monitor compliance with work hours and firm and department policies Support professional development and continuing education opportunities Participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events in collaboration with the supervisor and HR Perform other duties as assigned or required Requirements After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required Ability to travel, as required Minimum 8 years’ direct experience in communications or public relations with B2B clients and at a management level 4+ years’ management experience; some at the senior level preferred Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field Experience providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling Strong working knowledge of and contacts within national print, broadcast and online media Strong understanding of financial markets, business concepts and related subject matter Experience with crisis and issues management communications Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies and content creation best practices Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners Excellent written and verbal communication skills Exceptional writing skills and strong attention to detail Ability to lead others in developing and executing initiatives and large-scale projects Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment and think quickly Ability to consistently meet deadlines and multitask Ability to develop professional relationships internally and externally Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communication Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency, government service or political environment preferred 10+ years of applicable experience strongly preferred Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management, with a strong ability to lead teams and develop impactful messaging. Proficient in digital marketing and content creation, with a focus on building relationships and enhancing organizational reputation. Highest-signal resume keywords Strategic Leadership Crisis Communications Media Relations Team Management Digital Marketing ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills Communications Strategy Press Release Writing Media Pitching Content Creation Crisis Management Performance Management Reporting Development Policy Development Media Training Interview Preparation Soft Skills Interpersonal Skills Negotiation Motivational Leadership Attention to Detail Excellent Communication Industry Keywords Public Relations B2B Communications Legal Communications Professional Services Financial Markets Tools & Technologies Microsoft Office Suite IManage Social Media Platforms Content Promotion Tools Media Monitoring Tools #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobtailor