Perkins Coie · 22 hours ago
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$153K/yr - $245K/yr
10+ years expPerkins Coie is a leading law firm seeking a Senior Manager of Media Relations to lead and execute strategic external communications and media relations programs. This role is responsible for enhancing the firm's reputation and market positioning while collaborating with various stakeholders to align media strategies with business objectives.
Information TechnologyInsuranceIntellectual PropertyLegalReal Estate
Responsibilities
Lead and manage a firmwide media relations function, including oversight of external PR agencies responsible for cultivating, strengthening, and sustaining Perkins Coie’s relationships with key national, regional, and trade media
Serve as the firm’s primary spokesperson and central point of contact for press inquiries, ensuring consistent, accurate, and strategic engagement with the media
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with journalists and editors at priority media outlets, creating opportunities to connect partners with key reporters and preparing lawyers for high-stakes interviews
Collaborate closely with firm leadership, practice and industry group leaders, and relationship partners to ensure media relations strategies are aligned with business plans, client priorities, and firmwide objectives
Partner with firm and practice group leadership to design and implement proactive external communications strategies that raise brand visibility in priority markets and reinforce the firm’s differentiating strengths across practices, offices, and individual lawyers
Lead the development of key messages, positioning statements, and anticipated media Q&As, translating complex legal and business concepts into clear, accessible, and compelling language
Provide crisis counseling, media training, and real-time guidance to firm leaders and lawyers, including issues‑ and crisis‑management communications
Manage incoming press inquiries and ensure earned media coverage is shared, leveraged, and amplified across appropriate internal and external channels to maximize impact
Play a central role in shaping and executing the firm’s thought leadership strategy by: Working with lawyers and Marketing colleagues to identify media opportunities, including expert commentary, bylined articles, research projects, speaking engagements, and events
Monitor legal, business, and industry media to identify emerging trends and proactive thought leadership opportunities
Partner with the broader Communications team to distribute thought leadership and media coverage through strategic channels, including social media
Craft innovative social media campaigns that enhance the firm’s brand, reputation, and visibility across platforms
Write, edit, and oversee high-quality press and communications materials, including press releases, talking points, pitches, bylines, firm memos, website content, intranet materials, internal communications, and other collateral
Ensure all communications adhere to firm standards, messaging frameworks, and quality expectations, particularly in sensitive or high-profile matters
Support the firm’s awards and recognitions programs, advising on strategy, prioritization, process, and the development of high-impact submissions for the firm, practices, and individual lawyers
Work collaboratively with relationship partners to support profile-raising efforts for clients’ in-house counsel through strategic communications and visibility opportunities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing, business, or related field
10 to 12 years of experience managing public relations and media relations activity
Demonstrated leadership of a media relations and PR function, including experience managing and partnering with external agencies and resources
Proven ability to advise senior executives or partners and operate effectively in an extremely collaborative, high-expectation environment
Strong executive presence with the ability to build credibility, trust, and influence at senior levels
Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive and high-stakes matters with professionalism and confidence
Strong working knowledge of national print, broadcast, and digital media, including established or emerging relationships with business, legal, and financial press
Experience with crisis‑ and issues‑management communications
Ability to translate complex legal, regulatory, and business topics into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences
Excellent writing and editorial skills, with exceptional attention to detail and consistency across channels
Experience tracking, analyzing, and reporting media relations metrics and performance
Ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities while advancing special projects and large-scale initiatives
Ability to adapt quickly and effectively in response to rapidly changing events or priorities
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and negotiate challenging situations
Ability to meet multiple deadlines simultaneously, including for self-directed and cross-functional deliverables, while performing under pressure
Ability to lead, motivate, and develop collaborative, high-performing teams
Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships internally (lawyers, business professionals, and leadership) and externally (media, industry associations, and related organizations)
Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency, and/or government or political environment
Preferred
Prior experience leading or executing social media strategy and activity
Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate firm objectives into integrated, leadership-driven communications initiatives
Commitment to supporting business professional development and ongoing learning opportunities
Experience participating in hiring, performance reviews, coaching, and other employee lifecycle activities in partnership with HR and leadership
Benefits
Great health insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Paid sabbaticals
Annual discretionary bonus
401(k) plan
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually
Personal medical and parental leave
Up to 10 paid holidays
Family care benefits
Company
Perkins Coie
Perkins Coie is a law firm that specializes on corporate law, litigation, and real estate law.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-11-17Acquired
Leadership Team
David Delafield
CFO
Roger Wilkes
COO
Recent News
2026-01-22
2026-01-09
bloomberglaw.com
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase