Public Relations & Communications Manager - 10+ Yrs Experience - Philadelphia, PA

The law offices of Marshall Dennehey, a leading defense firm, is seeking a Public Relations & Communications Manager for its Philadelphia, PA office.

Position Summary:

The Public Relations & Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that enhance the firm's visibility, reputation, and market position. This role manages internal and external communications activities, media relations, attorney thought leadership programs, social media strategy, award submissions, community engagement initiatives, and crisis communications support. Working closely with the Director of Marketing & Business Development and firm leadership, the Public Relations & Communications Manager promotes the firm's achievements, legal insights, community involvement, and industry leadership across multiple platforms and audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Relations & Media Relations

• Develop and execute firmwide public relations strategies that support business development, recruitment, and brand enhancement goals.
• Draft and distribute press releases announcing significant lateral hires, promotions, leadership appointments, office openings, noteworthy firm and individual achievements, and significant client-facing initiatives.
• Manage media outreach and media list development using Cision and other media intelligence platforms.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, national, and legal industry media contacts.
• Serve as a primary communications resource for attorneys and firm leadership on media inquiries and interview preparation.
• Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to increase firm visibility.

Social Media & Digital Communications

• Develop and execute social media strategies that increase engagement, visibility, and brand awareness.
• Manage the firm's social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
• Create and curate content highlighting attorney achievements, legal developments, firm news, events, and community involvement.
• Monitor engagement metrics and recommend content optimization strategies.
• Assist attorneys in enhancing and optimizing personal LinkedIn profiles and professional branding efforts.

Thought Leadership & Content Promotion

• Assist attorneys with identifying, developing, editing, proofreading, and submitting bylined articles to legal, business, trade, and industry publications.
• Pitch article ideas and legal commentary opportunities to editors and reporters.
• Collaborate with attorneys to enhance visibility as subject matter experts within their practice areas.
• Develop strategies to maximize exposure of firm content across multiple communications channels.

Awards, Rankings & Recognition Program

• Manage firm participation in attorney, practice, and organizational award submissions.
• Prepare and submit nominations for legal industry rankings and recognitions, including Law.com national and regional recognitions.
• Draft and coordinate submissions for attorney leadership, diversity, community service, and industry achievement awards.
• Oversee relationships and submissions for legal directory and recognition platforms, including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and JD Supra.

Crisis Communications

• Support firm leadership in the development and execution of crisis communication strategies.
• Draft media statements, talking points, and responses for sensitive issues affecting the firm and its clients.
• Coordinate communications efforts with C-suite executives and other key stakeholders during crisis situations.
• Provide strategic guidance regarding reputation management and external messaging.

Speaking Engagements & Professional Visibility

• Identify speaking opportunities through legal, business, and industry organizations.
• Research regional and national conferences, trade associations, and professional organizations.
• Coordinate and submit speaker proposals and presentation abstracts on behalf of firm attorneys.
• Track speaking opportunities and maintain relationships with conference organizers and professional associations.

Internal Communications & Training

• Develop communications resources and best practices for attorneys and staff on a variety of social media and communications topics.
• Deliver presentations and training programs related to LinkedIn, personal branding, media relations, and social media engagement.
• Advise attorneys, managers, and professional staff on communications strategies and professional visibility opportunities.

Community Relations

• Coordinate partnerships with local schools and nonprofit organizations and plan and execute community service activities, including school supply drives, uniform drives, coat drives, Career Day participation, and other volunteer initiatives.
• Promote community involvement efforts through internal and external communications channels.
• Coordinate firm participation in charitable fundraising and community events
• Identify industry-specific writing opportunities, and work with attorneys to publish material in these industries.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with ability to respond to sensitive and confidential issues.
• Excellent networking skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Must possess sound logical thinking and judgment skills with ability to communicate well with all levels of personnel, clients and outside vendors.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and strategies.
• Ability to unearth writing and publishing opportunities, and conversant in the use of PR technology platforms.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be available to work more than 40 hours per week, including weekends, when necessary and on-call in the event of crisis management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, legal marketing, or a related professional services environment.
• Experience working within a law firm, professional services organization, legal newspaper or journal, professional services PR & Communications agency or corporate communications department preferred.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and handling sensitive communications matters.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations and strategic communications.
• Experience managing social media platforms and content strategy.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and distribution platforms such as Cision.

Marshall Dennehey is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position.

Firm offers a sound future, competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Qualified candidates should submit cover letter and resume for consideration.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer AA/M/F/D/V.

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