Assistant Director of Public Relations - Mayer Brown LLP

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Business Development and Marketing department in our Chicago or Washington D.C. office as an Assistant Director of Public Relations.

The Assistant Director of Public Relations is responsible for developing and implementing the Firm external media strategies. In conjunction with the Director of Public Relations, this individual will lead media relations and PR activities and help elevate the reputation of key partners, practices, products and industries with external audiences.

Essential Functions:

• Develops public relations strategies, campaigns, and initiatives to improve brand awareness and enhance client engagement
• Coordinates public relations activities, including press releases, interviews, media campaigns, and thought leadership opportunities to raise the Firm’s profile
• Partners with leadership and the communications, business development, and events teams to successfully implement programs that raise the visibility of targeted industry and practice groups
• Works with internal departments, including Pro Bono, Innovation, ADR and DEI to garner positive brand positioning
• Helps manage the relationships with the Firm’s outside Public Relations agencies and vendors
• Drafts and edits press releases, media briefing docs., talking points, Q&As and other external communication materials
• Secures media coverage of successful client engagements (as appropriate), Firm accolades/awards, new lateral partners and other Firm news
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with media outlets, industry professionals, and stakeholders
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on PR campaigns and their impact
• Collaborates with internal teams (e.g., Content, Design, Social Media) and maintains open communication with the department’s senior management
• Manages select survey responses across the Firm and supports targeted awards series
• Develops media training programs and coaching for individual lawyers or teams to enhance their ability to participate effectively in media interviews
• Helps respond to crisis management issues and advise on strategies to mitigate potential public relations issues
• Supervises the work of junior members of the department and contribute to their professional development
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field required
• 7+ years of applicable experience in the legal field or related industry required

Professional Experience: 

• Proven success in dealing with media and managing PR and media relations functions
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Sound business judgment, excellent attention to detail, and ability to execute through to completion
• Strong relationships with media outlets in the legal industry and a deep understanding of the PR function at law firms
• Ability to interact effectively with and gain the confidence of senior management

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and social media

Performance Traits:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work independently and in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Exceptional project management and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with a creative approach focused on client service
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Proven organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and problem-solve while managing shifting priorities
• Highly motivated, persuasive, priority-driven, and collaborative
• Critical and analytical thinker with strong research capabilities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports regarding performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
• May require travel to other offices as needed

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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