Senior Manager of Public Relations (EMEA)

This Senior Manager of Public Relations (EMEA) will collaborate with the senior manager of public relations (Americas) to co-lead the global PR function within this global legal firm. The role will develop and implement strategies that align with business development practice goals to raise the firm’s public profile and protect the firm’s brand and reputation. The successful EMEA team lead can convert complex matters and messaging into clear and concise content, proactively build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, effectively manage team technologies and resources and deploy strategic profile-raising initiatives.
Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal industry and relevant developments as well as the firm’s strategic priorities to influence and drive PR activities.
• Develop and execute strategic profile-raising plans/campaigns in conjunction with business development priorities.
• Continuously develop strong relationships with reporters.
• Serve as an ambassador for the firm and the communications function; act as a firm spokesperson as required and in consultation with the global director of marketing and communications.
• Build trust and work closely with practice group leaders (PGLs). Provide strategic consultancy, including interview preparation, coaching and media training, to lawyers and professional staff departments.
• Work collaboratively with and advise colleagues across the department and Firm, including Business Development, Talent, DE&I, Pro Bono and Risk, among others.
• Oversee editorial calendar of award and other recognition opportunities, advise on submission strategy and messaging to increase success rates.
• Manage and professionally develop direct reports. Oversee relationships with external agencies and suppliers, setting priorities, ensuring contract compliance, adherence to budget, feedback and high- quality, error-free product.
• Participate on crisis communication team at the direction of the global marketing and communications director.
• Measure and analyse effectiveness of communications and initiatives, regularly reporting on KPIs and continually seeking improvement.
• Foster a culture that supports collaboration and team spirit committed to professional excellence and the highest levels of client service.
You will have a proven track record of delivering PR strategies demonstrated by regular and favourable press coverage with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, strong existing relationships with relevant journalists and have experience with media-related software and technologies, including reporter databases, monitoring tools and press release distribution channels. You’ll have impeccable writing and editing skills, be well versed delivering impactful and relatable messaging and have the ability to provide strategic advice and tactical execution. You will have 10+ years of experience, ideally in a law firm, professional services or corporate environment. Previous experience with an international law firm is preferred and a BA in media relations, communications, journalism or related field required. Post graduate degree in communications is an advantage. European language skills are beneficial, but not essential.

Leighton Taylor promotes diversity, equality and fair treatment in all aspects of our work. It is our policy that as a provider of marketing and business development recruitment services, we will work to address existing inequalities, eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities and diversity. We translate this into all aspects of our everyday work and will aim to prevent discrimination or other unfair treatment against any of our staff or any users of our services regardless of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origins, disability, sexual orientation or political and religious beliefs.