A leading global law firm is seeking a Director of Communications to design and drive a world-class communications function that enhances firm reputation, elevates leadership profiles, and aligns communications strategy with firmwide business priorities.
This senior role oversees proactive and reactive communications, media relations, social media, and crisis response. The Director will partner closely with C-suite leadership and collaborate with teams across Marketing, Business Development, and Client Experience to shape and deliver integrated communications programs. You will lead both in-house and agency resources and serve as a trusted adviser on reputation management and strategic messaging.
Key Responsibilities
Communications Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and manage a best-in-class communications function spanning internal and external communications, social media, and global brand visibility.
- Create an annual proactive and reactive communications strategy with measurable business outcomes.
- Advise firm leadership on communications priorities, messaging, and reputation-enhancing opportunities.
- Lead crisis communications planning; participate as a core member of the crisis response team.
Media Relations & Reputation Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier business and industry media.
- Oversee firmwide reputation management and monitor ongoing industry and competitor trends.
- Craft compelling messaging and pitch strategic profile-raising opportunities for the firm and senior leaders.
- Respond to inbound media inquiries and ensure timely, high-quality communication.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing, Business Development, and practice/industry teams to implement integrated communication programs aligned to firm objectives.
- Serve as an active leader within the broader brand and communications team, contributing to strategic planning and firmwide initiatives.
- Provide media training, interview preparation, and coaching as needed.
Team & Agency Management
- Lead in-house team members and manage external PR agency relationships.
- Set strategic priorities for agency partners, oversee performance, and manage contract and statement-of-work negotiations.
- Oversee communications-related spend and contribute to budget planning.
Analytics & Reporting
- Track and report KPIs and media metrics to demonstrate the impact of communications programs.
- Maintain strong working knowledge of media distribution, monitoring platforms, and relevant technologies.
About You
You are a seasoned communications leader with deep experience developing and executing media strategy for large, complex organizations – ideally within professional services. You combine strong creative instincts with exceptional judgment and thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. You excel at advising senior executives, navigating ambiguity, and driving integrated communications programs that deliver tangible results.
Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Extensive communications experience, preferably including time in a law firm or professional services environment (in-house or agency).
- Demonstrated success planning and executing communications strategies and media relations programs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Established relationships with influential media across key sectors.
- Ability to lead and influence in high-pressure or ambiguous situations.
- Experience partnering with senior executives and managing confidential information.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently with sound initiative and judgment.
- Travel as needed.
