Crowell & Moring was founded in 1979 by 53 lawyers who left a large national firm to begin a different kind of law firm. Since then, we've grown to more than 500 lawyers in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, London, and Brussels. And we've created some impressive milestones along the way.

Position Summary:

The Director of Communications provides the firm with senior public relations leadership in raising the visibility of the firm and shaping its public reputation in an innovative way. The Director leads message development for the firm’s internal and external communications and leads firmwide integrated communications and marketing campaigns that support overall business development for the firm’s attorneys, practices, and offices. The Director works closely with the Chair of the Management Board and other senior leaders of the firm to advise on a wide range of communications matters, including media campaigns, promoting the firm, internal communications, and crisis management. The Director manages a staff of five along with the firm’s outside media relations consultants. The Director reports to the CMO with oversight from the Chair of the Management Board, Chair of the Executive Committee, and Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

•    Works closely with the firm chair and other leaders to create internal and external communication strategies. The Director also works closely with the CMO and firm leaders to advise on the firm’s branding efforts and in developing and advancing business development initiatives.
•    Creates and implements a proactive communications strategy utilizing a comprehensive range of tactics, such as traditional earned media, social media, and content creation. Provides crisis counseling, media training, and guidance to firm representatives; develops key messages and anticipated Q&As from the media.
•    Cultivates, builds, and maintains the firm’s relationships with key media contacts. Serves as a primary point of contact for all press queries, conducts positional conflict checks, and advises on media opportunities. Secures and manages a wide range of media and other visibility opportunities, including media interviews, article placements, and market recognition. 
•    Manages the firm’s Communications team. Works closely with members of the Client Development & Practice Management Department and practice group leadership to devise strategies for raising the visibility of the firm’s innovation in client service, thought leadership, and in promoting key strengths of practice groups, offices, and individual attorneys.
•    The Director, in concert with the Communications team, writes, edits, and approves press materials (talking points, pitches, news releases, etc.), as well as certain other firm communications, including multi-media projects.
•    Collaborates with the firm’s web, digital, and design team to create content and branding initiatives that attract and engage with clients and prospects. Serves as the editorial director for www.crowell.com. 
•    Oversees the firm’s survey-response and market recognition programs, including managing the firm’s annual reporting to news agencies, firm/practice/attorney rankings, and pursuit of award opportunities for individual lawyers and the firm.
•    Edits or advises on the development of thought leadership content, as well as content for the practices, such as the firm’s online newsroom, blogs, etc. Works with firm management, partners, and staff to support the firm’s internal communications program, including internal “good news” announcements.
•    Provides strategic support to the firm’s client alert program and provide editorial guidance on the firm’s key thought leadership pieces.

Requirements:

Education
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field. 

Experience
The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience with a record of achievement, increasing responsibility, and management acumen.  

The equivalent combination of advanced degree, training, and experience may be considered with a minimum of six (6) years of professional experience relevant to the position.  

Law firm or legal-related experience highly preferred. Public relations agency, journalism, or government experience desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 •    Proven communications and public relations experience with a strong background in media relations and content creation. Ability to represent the firm with honesty, integrity, and professionalism, consistently acting in an ethical manner.
•    Experience with crisis management and able to remain well composed and clear-thinking when responding to media attention involving sensitive topics.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
•    Record of effective relationships with contacts at top-tier national and industry media outlets. Familiarity with legal concepts as relevant to legal public relations.
•    Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices. Competent in operating media database software, LexisNexis or Westlaw, and other research tools.
•    Demonstrated ability to manage projects and campaigns while adapting to changing priorities. Ability to lead others in developing and executing on  initiatives and large-scale projects.
•    Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams. Seasoned experience in managing teams, hiring, training, assigning work, managing performance, and providing performance counseling and coaching. 

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package which includes progressive options such as back up child care, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.
 

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