Director-Communications Cooley is seeking a Director of Communications to lead the communication function for the firm as part of the Marketing & Business Development team. Position summary: The Director of Communications will promote, enhance and safeguard the firm’s reputation and positioning through the design and implementation of a strategic, integrated external and internal communications program. This includes communications for both external constituencies (clients, laterals, etc.), and the internal audience of employees and partners at Cooley. The Director will be a key member of the Marketing Department’s leadership team and a strategic advisor to firm leadership on a wide range of communications matters, including media campaigns, crisis management and strengthening connection and firm culture via internal communications. The Director will work collaboratively with marketing colleagues and attorneys to identify emerging trends and unique communications opportunities. At all times, the Director will work to protect and manage the reputation of the firm (and by extension its relationships with clients) and will counsel lawyers and staff accordingly. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Position responsibilities: External Communications Oversees a team of in-house and outsourced PR professionals responsible for cultivating, building, and maintaining the firm’s relationships with key media contacts. Serves as a firm spokesperson and primary point of contact for press inquiries, ensuring that positional conflict checks and alignment on recommended approach are achieved prior to responding. Works closely with firm and practice group leadership to devise and implement strategies for raising brand visibility in key markets and promoting the differentiating strengths of the firm and its practice groups, offices, and individual attorneys. Provides crisis counseling, media training, and guidance to firm representatives; works with the PR team to develop key messages and anticipated Q&As from the media. Writes or edits and approves press materials (talking points, pitches, news releases, etc.), as well as certain other firm communications, including multi-media projects. Collaborates with the firm’s marketing content and creative teams to create and implement proactive external communications strategies and campaigns positioning Cooley’s attorneys as thought leaders, and utilizing a comprehensive range of tactics, including traditional earned media, social media, and content promotion and syndication. Oversees the firm’s survey-response and market recognition programs, including managing the firm’s annual reporting to news agencies, firm/practice/attorney rankings, and pursuit of award opportunities for individual lawyers, clients and the firm. Internal Communications Oversees an internal communications team responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive internal communications program aimed at increasing engagement and connection among Cooley’s attorneys and business professionals. Supports firm leaders and other administrative teams in developing impactful written, in-person and multimedia communications. Other Responsible for developing and managing an annual communications budget (prep, variance analysis, etc.). All other duties as assigned or required. Skills and experience: Required: 10 direct years communications, public relations experience with B2B clients and at a management level Experience with crisis management Proven track record of performing elevated responsibilities within the current role providing intrinsic leadership & strategic direction to team Strong working knowledge of and contacts within National print, broadcast and electronic media After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required Ability to travel, as required Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, English or related field Preferred: Previous public policy, lobbying or advocacy experience Previous law firm experience Supervisory experience Competencies: Superb written and oral communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex legal and business concepts into plain English. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics. Must be judicious, fast-thinking and able to excel under pressure. Ability to represent the firm with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Ability to remain well composed and clear-thinking when responding to media attention involving sensitive topics. Record of effective relationships with contacts at top-tier national and industry media outlets. Familiarity with legal concepts as relevant to legal public relations. Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices. Competent in operating media database software, LexisNexis or Westlaw, and other research tools. Demonstrated ability to manage projects and campaigns while adapting to changing priorities. Ability to lead others in developing and executing on initiatives and large-scale projects. Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams. Seasoned experience in managing teams, hiring, training, assigning work, managing performance, and providing performance counseling and coaching. Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. EOE