Head of Brand & Communications

Role Purpose

Freshfields is pursuing ambitious growth in the United States, our most strategically important market. The Head of Brand & Communications, US is responsible for leading the firm's integrated Brand & Communications agenda across the region, translating global and regional strategy into measurable market impact. Working closely with US leadership, practice leaders, Business Development, HR, and global Brand & Communications teams, the role drives alignment and impact across communications, campaigns, content, digital, events, leadership visibility, reputation management, and employee engagement.

This role ensures that investment, resources, and activity are focused on the opportunities that matter most to growth, reputation, client relationships, talent, and market influence. The role serves as the regional integrator for Brand & Communications in the United States, connecting global priorities with local market needs and ensuring Freshfields presents a consistent, differentiated and compelling proposition across all stakeholders.

Lead the development and execution of the US Brand & Communications strategy, aligned to firmwide objectives and regional growth priorities. Translate global and US strategic priorities into integrated communications and market activation programs that deliver measurable commercial and reputational outcomes. Partner with US leadership, practice leaders, sector leaders, and Business Development teams to identify business priorities and develop communications programs that support growth.

Establish an annual planning framework that aligns communications, campaigns, content, events, digital channels, and leadership engagement around agreed priorities. Ensure resources and investment are focused on the highest-value opportunities and strategic business objectives. Act as the primary Brand & Communications advisor to US leadership on market positioning, stakeholder engagement, communications strategy, and reputational considerations.

Lead the activation of Freshfields' brand and reputation strategy across the United States. Drive integrated programs across media relations, digital channels, campaigns, thought leadership, events, social media, sponsor ships, and leadership visibility initiatives. Partner with specialist communications teams and external agencies to strengthen Freshfields' profile and influence across priority audiences. Identify opportunities to enhance brand awareness, market visibility, and thought leadership in support of the firm's growth ambitions.

Monitor market trends, competitive activity, reputational developments, and stakeholder expectations to inform communications priorities.

Develop and lead a comprehensive US internal communications strategy that strengthens employee engagement and alignment around firm strategy and growth priorities. Partner with regional leadership and HR teams to support strategic change, culture initiatives, leadership communications, and major business announcements. Create communications programs that build understanding of Freshfields' strategic direction, reinforce culture and values, and foster organizational momentum. Lead employee engagement initiatives, leadership forums, town halls, recognition activities, and internal campaigns.

Establish measurement frameworks and continuously improve communication effectiveness and employee engagement outcomes.

Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across the firm and provide high-quality strategic communications counsel. Ensure communications priorities support firm strategy, client priorities, reputation objectives, and talent ambitions. Influence decision-making by providing insight, measurement, and recommendations that improve business outcomes. Represent US priorities within global Brand & Communications planning and governance forums.

Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing US Brand & Communications team. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Establish clear governance, planning processes, performance expectations, and measurement frameworks. Drive effective collaboration across Brand & Communications, Business Development, HR, Knowledge, and other business services…