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Husch Blackwell · 1 day ago

Associate Director - Communications

Boston, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$151K/yr - $308K/yr

10+ years exp

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture. They are seeking an Associate Director of Communications who will be responsible for developing and executing the firm’s communications strategies, managing a team, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the firm’s reputation and brand.

Law EnforcementLegalService Industry

Growth Opportunities

Hiring Manager

Heather Taylor

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a national communications strategy in collaboration with leadership and other stakeholders

Set measurable goals and utilize analytics to evaluate the effectiveness and ROI of communications initiatives

Ensure alignment of communications with firm-wide marketing, business development, and client engagement efforts

Lead and mentor a team of in-house and external PR professionals, cultivating strong relationships with national, legal, business, and industry media

Serve as a firm spokesperson and primary point of contact for press inquiries, including crisis and sensitive matters

Collaborate with practice and office leaders to identify and promote differentiating strengths, firm milestones, lateral acquisitions, client successes, and other newsworthy initiatives

Oversee the creation and quality of press materials (press releases, pitches, talking points, Q&As, etc.), ensuring alignment with key messaging and brand standards

Lead implementation of proactive external communications strategies and campaigns positioning the firm’s attorneys as thought leaders, and utilizing a comprehensive range of tactics, including traditional earned media, social media, and content promotion, working closely with the brand strategy and marketing teams

Oversee the firm’s awards and recognitions programs, including advising on strategy, process and the development of priority firm submissions

Develop and maintain policies, protocols, and team reporting for external communications

Monitor news cycles, identify media opportunities, and provide media training and interview preparation for firm representatives

Provide strategic counsel to firm leadership on sensitive or high-profile matters, including crisis communications and reputation management

Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks

Partner with firm leaders to design and deliver impactful internal communications that facilitate change management, foster engagement, transparency, and a strong sense of community among attorneys and business professionals

Support the development and distribution of firmwide announcements, executive communications, and multimedia content

Ensure internal messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with the firm’s values and strategic priorities

Qualification

Communications strategyMedia relationsCrisis communicationsDigital marketingProject managementTeam leadershipWritten communicationVerbal communicationInterpersonal skillsNegotiation skillsAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred)

10+ years of progressive communications, public relations, or media relations experience, with at least 4 years in a management role (law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred)

Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing communications teams

Extensive experience in media relations, including established relationships with national and legal press

Demonstrated ability to translate complex legal and business concepts into clear, compelling communications

Experience managing crisis/issues communications and providing executive counsel

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices

Executive presence and ability to build trust with senior leaders and partners

Exceptional written, verbal, and digital communication skills

Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to decision-making

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and navigate complex situations

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

High attention to detail and commitment to quality

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information judiciously

Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners on strategy and execution of communications objectives

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

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics

Judicious, fast-thinking and able to excel under pressure

Ability to consistently meet deadlines, including self-set and multi-tasked

Ability to develop professional relationships both internally (with department members, lawyers and firm business professionals) and externally (with industry/regional associations, etc.)