Senior Manager, Media Relations

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Senior Manager of Media Relations leads the design and execution of strategic integrated external communications and media relations programs that advance Perkins Coies business objectives elevate its differentiating strengths and protect its brand in both proactive and high-stakes environments. Responsible for promoting enhancing and safeguarding the firms reputation and market positioning this role works in close partnership with the Director of Communications the Communications team firm leadership and key functional and administrative stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

Strategic Leadership & Firmwide Media Relations

• Lead and manage a firmwide media relations function including oversight of external PR agencies responsible for cultivating strengthening and sustaining Perkins Coies relationships with key national regional and trade media.
• Serve as the firms 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.

Brand Positioning Messaging & Reputation Management

• 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 firms 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 crisismanagement communications.
• Manage incoming press inquiries and ensure earned media coverage is shared leveraged and amplified across appropriate internal and external channels to maximize impact.

Thought Leadership Campaigns & Content Development

• Play a central role in shaping and executing the firms 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.
  • Monitoring legal business and industry media to identify emerging trends and proactive thought leadership opportunities.
  • Partnering 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 firms brand reputation and visibility across platforms.

Writing Editorial Oversight & Channel Management

• 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.

Awards Recognition & Profile-Raising

• Support the firms 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.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

Leadership Strategy & Judgment

• 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.

Media Communications & Content Expertise

• 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 issuesmanagement 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.

Execution Collaboration & Agility

• 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.

Team & Relationship Management

• 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.

SPECIFIC SKILLS 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in English journalism communications marketing business or related field.

Requires 10 to 12 years of experience managing public relations and media relations activity. Prior experience of meaningful length in law firms or the legal industry financial services or the technology sector is a significant plus.

At Perkins Coie we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration devotion to serving our clients and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance tuition reimbursement and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an 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 and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience skills market conditions and internal equity.

Colorado compensation range: $153460.00 to $245390.00 annually

Los Angeles Compensation range: $178720.00 to $285770.00 annually

New York compensation range: $178070.00 to $284740.00 annually

San Diego compensation range: $176450.00 to $282150.00 annually

San Francisco compensation range: $195870.00 to $313210.00 annually

Washington state compensation range: $161880.00 to $258850.00 anually