Associate Director - Communications

Firm Overview

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. The firm is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an engaged, inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose.

Associate Director – Communications. This role may be filled in any of our locations and requires onsite presence 2–3 days per week. Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, the Associate Director will lead the firm’s external and internal communications programs, collaborate with leadership, practice groups, and other divisions to promote, enhance, and protect Husch Blackwell’s reputation and brand.

• Develop and execute a national communications strategy in collaboration with leadership and stakeholders.
• Set measurable goals and use analytics to evaluate the effectiveness and ROI of communications initiatives.
• Align communications with firm-wide marketing, business development, and client engagement efforts.
• Lead and mentor a team of in‑house and external PR professionals, cultivating relationships with national, legal, business, and industry media.
• Serve as firm spokesperson and primary point of contact for press inquiries, including crisis and sensitive matters.
• Collaborate with practice and office leaders to promote differentiating strengths, milestones, acquisitions, client successes, and other newsworthy initiatives.
• Oversee the creation and quality of press materials (press releases, pitches, talking points, Q&As, etc.) aligning with key messaging and brand standards.
• Implement proactive external communications strategies and campaigns positioning the firm’s attorneys as thought leaders using earned media, social media, and content promotion.
• Oversee firm awards and recognitions programs, advising on strategy and priority submissions.
• Develop and maintain policies, protocols, and team reporting for external communications.
• Monitor news cycles, identify media opportunities, and provide media training and interview preparation for firm representatives.
• Provide strategic counsel on sensitive or high‑profile matters, including crisis communications and reputation management.
• Maintain crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks.
• Partner with firm leaders to design and deliver internal communications facilitating change management, engagement, transparency, and community.
• Support development and distribution of firmwide announcements, executive communications, and multimedia content.
• Ensure internal messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with firm values and strategic priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive communications, public relations, or media relations experience, with at least 4 years in a management role (law firm or professional services strongly preferred).
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing communications teams.
• Extensive experience in media relations, including relationships with national and legal press.
• Ability to translate complex legal and business concepts into clear, compelling communications.
• Experience managing crisis/issues communications and providing executive counsel.
• Strong project management skills, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices.
• Executive presence and ability to build trust with senior leaders and partners.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and navigate complex situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a…