External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK

Kennedys is looking for an ambitious and proactive External Communications Manager to join our Business Development team. The successful Communications Manager will be part of the Marketing and Communications team, under the direction of the Senior Communications Manager. Supporting all areas of external communications, the Manager will help develop and manage the Firm's external communications strategy for the UK and EMEA, promoting its brand and reputation across the media and other external audiences. Team Kennedys' Business Development & Marketing (BD&M) is over 80-strong and focusses on promoting Kennedys' services and supports the Firm's global growth ambition and our key clients and markets. There are four distinct functions: Pursuits, Clients and Markets, Marketing & Communications and Marketing Technology & Data. These functions support the BD&M community across five regions – APAC, EMEA, LATAM, UK and US. Our global team members are located across the UK, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and the US. Key responsibilities The role encompasses, but is not limited to the following activities: External communications workflow Supporting the Senior Manager to further develop and implement a global, integrated external communications strategy aligned with the Firm's strategic business development ambitions. This includes identifying key Firm and practice priorities and themes, overseeing the proactive press release schedule, and working closely with key stakeholders to build and strengthen relationships with target media to enhance media coverage. While this Manager role operates within a global lens, its primary focus and area of delivery will be for EMEA and the UK. Leading on the content development and media sharing of corporate Firm news which could include lateral hires, Partner promotions and any other related corporate news for Kennedys. Working with a broad array of stakeholders across the firm such as leadership, fee earners and Business Services colleagues to ensure external communications needs (proactive and reactive) are managed accordingly. Act as a media consultant to the firm's stakeholders and be available for their queries related to media outreach. This includes offering guidance on media, responding to media inquiries, and managing overall media opportunities. The reputational management of issues and crisis communications with the Senior Manager ensuring that the process and relevant communications requirements are managed effectively and appropriately. The ongoing proactive development and nurturing of media relationships across multiple sectors and outlets. Assisting on the Firm's successful awards submission programme and managing submissions to the key legal and industry surveys, as part of ongoing programme to maintain and build the Firm's reputation in the market. Ensuring the Firm's media contact and reporting database is used to best effect. This includes working with internal colleagues to manage the day-to-day tracking, monitoring, and measurement of media coverage; providing regular updates on PR activity and coverage to key stakeholders; and staying ahead of competitor news, key industry developments, and industry/market activity. External agency management Effectively managing the Firm's global PR agency across activities such as (but not limited to): Ongoing regional workflows to help drive and meet the agencies KPI's aligned to the Firm's strategy. Identifying and managing thematic thought leadership opportunities across the Firm to maximise global and regional exposure and share of voice on industry issues, while proactively driving PR initiatives that position Kennedys as a go-to commentator on key industry and legal topics. Assistance in managing all media queries and facilitating the flow of information as required by the media and by the agency. Alongside the broader internal and external team, manage the monthly administrative requirements such as tracking agency hours, coordinating meetings and agency reporting requirements. Team collaboration, leadership and development Working closely with the global Business Development colleagues across internal communications, digital channels and content marketing to ensure consistent content and messaging opportunities through various channels. Contribute to the development of the team's operating model, including the brief template, triage SLA and project tracking approach. Support the professional development of the team, identifying stretch opportunities and providing constructive feedback on their work. Produce regular reporting on team output, project pipeline and external communications performance for the Senior Manager and the Business Development Leadership team. Required experience Demonstrable experience in PR/external communications/corporate communications in a business development role within a law firm or professional services environment – this is a core requirement. PR agency experience will be highly sought after. Thorough experience in dealing with the media with demonstratable media relationships. Insurance and legal sector media exposure will be a strong advantage. High comfort level in working across multiple time sensitive initiatives at the same time, while displaying a sense of urgency when needed for deadlines. A sense of strong responsiveness with the ability to work with pace and precision is critical. A service and results orientated approach is key. Excellent business writing skills and a strong instinct for quality, with a clear editorial standard, alongside a genuine interest in news, content, and storytelling, which is essential for this role. The ability to identify commercial content opportunities that support positive reputational positioning is highly desirable and a significant asset for the successful candidate. An effective communicator and relationship builder, with the confidence to engage credibly with senior lawyers and partners, and the executive presence to liaise with, support, and influence senior leaders across the network to successfully deliver the external communications strategy. Experienced in working with and assisting an external PR agency to support an in-house communications team. Experienced in using digital and social media channels to support ongoing strategic business development, including marketing, sponsorship and thought leadership. Interest in and experience of using other forms of communication channels to deliver external communication messages e.g., video, podcasts. Ability to work collaboratively as part of an integrated BD team and to work as part of a virtual team with colleagues who sit in other offices and countries. Experience of line management or coordinating the work of others. Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; familiarity with CRM tools or project tracking platforms desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr