Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior PR & Communications Manager will have a demonstrable passion for PR and broader communications. The role holder will be responsible for devising and implementing holistic communications to develop the firm’s brand and enhance its reputation in key markets and sectors in support of the firm’s global strategy.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with the Head of Communications on the strategy for and delivery of the firm's corporate communications as well as management of the firm's reputation
• Taking the lead on managing a busy press office
• Operate as an integral member of the Central Communications team to promote best practice internally and the firm's brand and reputation externally
• Working with marketing colleagues and partners across the International LLP to devise and implement the PR and communications strategies for specific practice groups and sectors
• Building and cultivating relationships with press contacts at target media. This includes the international, national, regional, trade, online, business and legal titles
• Writing press releases, articles, blogs and media briefing documents
• Working with the Head of Communications on firm wide communications and any issues management
• Contributing to the ideas generation process and pitching stories to the appropriate media
• Developing and executing thought leadership campaigns
• Building close relationships with partners and other fee earners in order to identify new opportunities, industry trends, deal information and other newsworthy stories
• Managing PR agencies internationally alongside colleagues in other jurisdictions
• Preparing  and briefing partners for all media interviews including providing media training
• Providing junior PR colleagues with guidance and support

The role holder may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time.

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Have a degree and at least five years' PR experience either in-house or at a consultancy. Experience working within a corporate environment or for a professional services organisation is desirable
• Have a track record in delivering effective communications campaigns
• Have crisis and reputation management experience
• Be able to establish credibility with senior stakeholders
• Display a consistently positive attitude and adopt a 'can do' approach
• Have experience managing a team
• Be a dynamic and diplomatic communicator, with great networking and advocacy skills
• Display a proven ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Be motivated, resourceful and confident
• Be comfortable multi-tasking and working to sometimes conflicting timescales and multiple priorities in a robust and fast-paced environment
• Be a self-starter, who is able to work on their own initiative as well as being part of a team
• Have the ability to see delegated tasks through to completion at a high standard
• Have the ability to stay calm and composed in often demanding situations
• Be able to build and maintain strong relationships both within and outside the firm, acting as an effective brand ambassador for DLA Piper, and an internal change agent
• Exhibit cultural curiosity and competence
• Be comfortable operating in sometimes ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative personal working style

This job description is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied, as required, to develop, or fulfil, the role of Senior PR & Communications Manager. 

ABOUT US

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

OUR VALUES

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative - we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold - we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional - we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do.  We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We support anyone with a disability or long term health condition to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

AGILE WORKING

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That's why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

PRE-ENGAGEMENT SCREENING

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and references from previous employers.