External Communications Manager

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Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better
. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, and Vault, and are certified by Great Place to Work.

• A firm where everyone belongs:
  Our award‑winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself.
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives:
  We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best:
  Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work‑life balance.
• Real rewards for real work:
  We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

The External Communications Manager supports the firm’s proactive and reactive public relations strategy by identifying, pitching, and placing opportunities that align with firm, practice, industry, and individual profile‑raising priorities. The position is fully embedded in an integrated global marketing, communications, and business development team and partners with firm stakeholders to implement strategic communication programs.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with priority media outlets and key industry influencers.
• Develop strong relationships with firm stakeholders, including leadership, lawyers, and lateral hires; collaborate with the wider brand and communications teams, business development, events, and practice/industry marketing teams to implement strategic communication programs that align with business objectives and plans.
• Monitor ongoing industry trends, editorial calendars, and competitor activity; provide trend analysis.
• Identify media opportunities; actively lead topic generation efforts and collaborate across practices and markets.
• Pitch and place profile‑raising coverage.
• Craft media messages, including research and writing of press releases, drafting of deal announcements and other client‑related communications, and copy for the firm website.
• Serve as a firm contact for media requests; coordinate information and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with external agencies as directed by communications leaders.
• Use Salesforce to track PR activity and use data to report to stakeholders and inform public relations plans.
• Leverage the firm’s news distribution and media monitoring tools.
• Track and report on KPIs and media metrics; maintain working knowledge of firm technologies and other resources.
• Track and report coverage using internal announcements, newsletters, and , among others.
• Align and help implement firmwide processes related to media relations.
• Provide back‑up support to the global communications team.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• At least five (5) years of related work experience.
• Ability to build strong media relationships within key sectors.
• Knowledge of news distribution, media monitoring, and tracking software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance‑based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $138,000 - $203,000

Base pay is based on market location and may vary; this range is not a guarantee. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards package. Full‑time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear.
• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

Typical indoor office environment.

Disclaimer:
The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work performed by people in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.