Executive and Internal Communications Lead

Job Description At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place. We are seeking a Lead, Communications to join the firm. The Lead, Executive and Internal Communications, partners closely with the Director, Internal and Executive Communications to craft and execute the firm’s executive and internal communications strategy across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. This role is built for a strong communicator with excellent editorial and technical skills, creativity, high emotional intelligence, and the drive to grow into broader scope and responsibility over time. The Lead will lead day-to-day communications delivery, manage core channels and initiatives, and translate strategy, narrative, and changes into high-quality, timely, and consistent communications across the firm. The Lead will also have the opportunity to help shape the firm’s internal communications infrastructure, serving as editor-in-chief of the firm’s new internal newsletter and project managing the firm’s intranet refresh. Key Responsibilities Day-to-Day Execution & Content Development Draft, edit, and distribute a range of internal and executive communications of varying complexity. Provide first-round editorial review to ensure consistency in tone, voice, formatting, and messaging across all internal channels. Own communications planning for smaller-scale change initiatives such as technology deployments, policy changes, and training programs. Support practices, functions, and offices with templates, toolkits, and guidance to reinforce consistent firm messaging and branding. Track communications metrics and engagement with a continuous improvement mindset. Internal Newsletter Help create the firm’s new internal newsletter and, over time, serve as editor-in-chief — owning editorial calendar, content sourcing, production workflow, and distribution. Lead communications intake and curate content from stakeholders across the firm, ensuring each edition reflects firm priorities and resonates with the intended audience. Draft and edit newsletter content and coordinate stakeholder review and approval. Intranet & Digital Employee Experience Manage core internal communications channels , including intranet and collaboration platforms, and enforce governance of content ownership, refresh cycles, and editorial standards. Project manage workstreams related to the firm's intranet update, partnering with firmwide stakeholders and external vendors as needed. Coordinate day-to-day content updates post-launch, with an eye toward continuous improvement. Stakeholder Partnership & Liaison Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with teams across the firm, building trusted working relationships. Navigate competing priorities among internal stakeholders with diplomacy, discretion, and sound, risk-aware judgment. Partner cross-functionally with HR, IT, Marketing, Client Growth, Creative Services, and Operations colleagues to ensure strategic alignment, consistency, and transparency. Growth & Expanded Scope Over Time This role is designed with a clear growth path. As the successful candidate builds firm context, stakeholder trust, and mastery of the core workstreams, scope is expected to expand in areas such as: Providing strategic communications counsel to leadership. Shaping communications strategy, messaging, and planning for higher-sensitivity initiatives. Owning additional strategic initiatives end-to-end within the Communications function. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 7+ years of progressive communications experience, with meaningful time spent in internal or corporate communications. Exceptional writing and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail. Strong technical skills and/or eagerness to upskill. Strong project management skills and a track record of delivering communications plans on time and to a high standard. High emotional intelligence and proven ability to navigate internal politics and competing stakeholder interests with discretion. Genuine interest in growing with the role and firm over time. Creativity, initiative, and a positive attitude. Preferred Experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder professional services environment (law firm, consulting, accounting, financial services, or similar). Experience with the full Microsoft suite, email marketing platforms, webcast platforms, and intranet management preferred. Experience producing and/or managing change communications within a complex organization. Experience managing stakeholders across a broad global footprint. Key Competencies Editorial Craft. Writes with precision, speed, and polish; edits others’ work constructively and efficiently. Judgment & Discretion. Knows what to elevate, what to handle independently, and how to protect the firm’s brand. Stakeholder Navigation. Builds trust quickly across levels and functions; manages competing priorities with diplomacy and clarity. Ownership & Execution. Drives work to completion reliably, with minimal oversight. Adaptability & Growth Mindset. Operates effectively in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift; actively seeks opportunities to learn and expand contribution. Compensation $97,000 - $182,000 (may vary depending on geographical location) The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr K&L Gates