Communications Specialist

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for the coordination and execution of communications and media relations activities in support of the Firm's strategy. Reporting into the Senior Communications Manager and the Director of Communications, this role assists Business Development in ensuring communications, work product and critical functions meet the Firm's high standard of excellence. Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, the Communications Specialist will work with the wider Communications Team to deliver high quality content tailored to specific audiences and will support the Firm's profile-raising initiatives. This includes supporting the Firm on thought leadership, social media and other communications and branding projects. Responsibilities/Duties

• Work closely with the Senior Communications Manager and Director of Communications, and the Business Development team to execute a proactive media relations program, supporting the Firm's practice groups, attorneys, brand and positioning in the global market
• Ensure initiatives, services and significant matters are publicized internally and externally in accordance with Firm policy
• Implement and support media strategies and tactics Firm-wide ensuring our practices, industries, individual lawyers and regions, reflect the Firm's branding and positioning across various channels including legal, business and trade press
• In collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager, proactively generate and identify story ideas and opportunities to build and reinforce Firm brand positioning In coordination with the Senior Communications Manager and Director of Communications, form strong relationships with members of the press to establish and cultivate working relationships
• Develop messaging; gather background information on issues, firm experience, reporters, etc.; and prepare lawyers for contact with the media
• Develop and maintain media contact lists, media calendars, and awards calendar
• Draft press releases, media pitches, byline article abstracts and other publicity copy
• Manage, draft and provide ongoing support for all direct client communications (e.g., Firm announcements, newsletters, etc.) and copy for the Firm marketing collateral
• Provide guidance and expertise on strategic direction and development of communications materials
• Maintain website content, matter descriptions, attorney biographies, practice group descriptions and other Business Development and communications materials across multiple channels: web, print and electronic formats
• Prepare and manage award submissions, survey responses and directory submissions for various legal and business directories and publications; monitor the editorial calendars of the directories and publications
• Support Business Development projects, work with stakeholders in other Departments and in other offices and other Firm initiatives as needed
• Establish media-related goals; create tracking and reporting mechanisms to understand results and assess performance against goals; conduct media training as needed Circulate media clips and maintain clip files as needed
• Serve as a resource regarding Firm practice areas, attorney expertise, related organizations, media and market positioning; stay abreast of developments and trends in the industry
• Assess, source, and manage third-party tools, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  Minimum of four years of relevant experience in media relations
• Educated to degree level
• Must be flexible and willing to work additional hours as needed
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly competitive and demanding environment; this position requires a very high energy level and flexibility with the work schedule
• Intellectual curiosity and high levels of judgment, discretion, responsiveness, resilience and initiative are also needed; strong problem solving and analytical skills to make sound decisions, provide solutions or recommendations and escalate as appropriate
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated to produce accurate, timely and complete work product
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent research and analytical abilities
• Strong project management skills, initiative and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to interact well and build professional relationships through networking and collaboration while maintaining a high level of customer service, diplomacy and discretion
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage Partners and Senior members clients as appropriate
• Ability to anticipate requests for information essential to meet internal and external client needs appropriate to their role, providing exceptional customer service
• Ability to quickly develop organizational astuteness and understand the Firm's culture, vision, policies and practices
• Proficiency in MS Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel
Preferred Skills
• Prior experience at a law firm or public relations agency
• Experience updating/maintaining a website preferred
• Familiarity with and working knowledge of social media channels, trends, and best practices
• Degree in English, communications, public relation, marketing or related field
  
  Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world's leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 1,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe., Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.