Public Relations Manager

Firm Information

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.

Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

Position Summary

The Public Relations Manager works closely with the Assistant Director of External Communications to develop and implement a strategic media and public relations plan for the firm in the U.S. In addition, this position supports firm leadership on messaging and media outreach around firm initiatives including supporting the strategy an initiatives for the firm’s practices and industry groups.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the firm’s Assistant Director of External Communication, this person will be responsible for implementing the firm's U.S. PR strategy and providing support to build the profile of the firm, its practice groups and partners lead the firm's U.S. PR strategies and activities, including: press releases, media outreach, award submissions, and PR campaigns;
• Advise firm leadership on communications strategy, messaging and stakeholder outreach for key firm initiatives and programs;
• Collaborate with partners, practice group chairs, office managing partners and marketing and business development colleagues to identify industry trends, deal and case information and newsworthy client work to enhance firm visibility in key markets;
• Cultivate relationships with key media contacts and collaborate with and help manage external PR agencies to include: securing media placements, profiling stories, preparing partners for interviews and providing guidance on publication and speaking opportunities;
• Raise the firm’s visibility across key industry and practice groups and U.S. locations by working closely with dedicated marketing and business development colleagues;
• Potential future managerial responsibility of junior hires to the PR team and coordinated efforts with PR Managers and team in EMEA;
• Write awards nominations and draft press releases for awards when needed;
• Oversee and manage the firm’s suite of PR agency partners along with Assitant Director of External Communications;
• Work closely with the firm’s Social Media Manager to advance the firm’s external visibility through social media;
• Serve as a primary internal contact / resource for legal, trade, regional, and business media;
• Develop and implement processes to ensure all PR communications are timely, consistent, and useful, and in coordination with corporate communications, business development and regional marketing leads;
• And develop key performance indicators and metrics to measure PR output and usage annually and year-over-year.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism or in a related field

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of work experience in PR and/or media relations; preferably within a law firm environment. Experience in executing media outreach, PR campaigns and promotion of thought leadership preferred.

Skills: Superior project management skills, expert writing and communication skills, demonstrable media contacts, ability to thrive in a fast-paced intense client service environment, knowledge and experience with social media and the technology related to PR and communications is a plus.

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsibility for future junior members of the PR team. Supervise several of the firm’s PR agencies under retainer.

Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with various personalities at all levels.
• Ability to have a customer-focused mindset and deliver high-quality service or solutions to internal or external stakeholders.
• Ability to utilize technology, including computers and telecommunication devices.
• Ability to read and interpret written documents, computer screens and other visual displays accurately.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication, including conversations and instructions, is important for effective collaboration and communication.
• Must have strong leadership skills and ability to demonstrate calm during periods of high volume or unusual events.

Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay Ranges:

This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

• Pittsburgh, Miami: $119,000 - $146,000
• Chicago, Philadelphia: $127,000 - $156,000
• New York: $140,000 - $172,000

Benefits Package Overview:

• 401k Plan
• Medical
• Health Savings Account
• Virtual Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff)
• College Savings Plan
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care
• College Coach
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Time Off

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

Consistent with its Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact, Reed Smith is firmly committed to the concept and practice of equal employment opportunity. At Reed Smith, applicants and employees are treated during their employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, familial status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.