A leading global professional services firm is seeking an experienced communications leader to oversee its external communications and social media strategy. This role will drive proactive and reactive media relations initiatives, elevate brand visibility, and lead integrated campaigns that support firmwide business priorities and reputation management efforts.
The position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, collaborate across marketing and business development teams, and manage both internal and external communications resources in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.
The Associate Director of External Communications will lead the development and execution of strategic public relations and social media programs designed to strengthen brand positioning and increase market visibility. This individual will oversee media relations, messaging, editorial strategy, social media governance, and performance reporting while partnering closely with internal stakeholders across practices, industries, and regions.
This role also provides leadership for the organization’s social media function, including channel strategy, editorial planning, team management, and agency oversight.
Key Responsibilities
Public Relations
- Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies aligned with firmwide and practice-level priorities
- Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts and industry influencers
- Draft and refine messaging, media pitches, and executive communications materials
- Manage external PR agency relationships, including strategy alignment, performance oversight, and contract management
- Partner with marketing, communications, and business development teams to support integrated campaigns and profile-raising initiatives
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging communications opportunities
- Deliver media coaching and interview preparation for senior stakeholders
- Track and report on communications KPIs and campaign performance
- Support crisis communications and reputational management efforts as needed
- Oversee communications-related budget management and vendor spend
Social Media
- Lead enterprise social media strategy across key platforms and audiences
- Oversee editorial planning, content calendars, and campaign execution
- Establish governance standards including brand voice, approvals processes, and channel guidelines
- Supervise and mentor social media team members while managing workflows and priorities
- Analyze engagement and performance metrics to optimize content strategy
- Coordinate social listening and response management in support of broader communications objectives
- Collaborate across regional teams to ensure aligned messaging and execution across markets and time zones
- Manage social media vendors and agency partners as required
About You
- Strong experience leading external communications, public relations, and social media strategy within a professional services or corporate environment
- Demonstrated success developing integrated communications campaigns that drive measurable outcomes
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to advise and partner effectively with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders
- Experience managing agency relationships, communications budgets, and performance reporting
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable operating in high-pressure or evolving situations while maintaining sound judgment and professionalism
- Experience using media monitoring, reporting, and emerging communications technologies, including AI-enabled tools
Preferred Experience
- Background in legal, financial, consulting, or other professional services environments
- Experience supporting international or multi-market communications initiatives
- Familiarity with crisis communications and issues management
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
