The Communications Manager - Awards and Rankings oversees the firm's participation in key legal directories and awards programs. The individual researches and evaluates opportunities that help advance the firm's strategic priorities, develops and maintains editorial calendars, and manages the submission and nomination process from start to finish. The role uses rankings as a benchmarking tool to assess and preserve the firm's market position and to increase recognition for the firm and its lawyers in key practices and industries. The Communications Manager - Awards and Rankings serves as a resident expert on awards and directories, providing coaching, training and strategic advice to stakeholders across the firm. The individual is expected to use generative AI tools responsibly and effectively to improve speed, quality and consistency in the submission process, applying sound judgment and human oversight to all AI-assisted work.
Compensation Disclosure: In compliance with applicable pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position in
New York and Washington, DC is $135,000 - $175,000 annually.
The Communications Manager - Awards and Rankings oversees the firm's participation in key legal directories and awards programs. The individual researches and evaluates opportunities that help advance the firm's strategic priorities, develops and maintains editorial calendars, and manages the submission and nomination process from start to finish. The role uses rankings as a benchmarking tool to assess and preserve the firm's market position and to increase recognition for the firm and its lawyers in key practices and industries. The Communications Manager - Awards and Rankings serves as a resident expert on awards and directories, providing coaching, training and strategic advice to stakeholders across the firm. The individual is expected to use generative AI tools responsibly and effectively to improve speed, quality and consistency in the submission process, applying sound judgment and human oversight to all AI-assisted work.
Primary Responsibilities: - Provide end-to-end project management and editorial oversight for directories and awards submissions, including assignment of nominations and submissions, direction on approach and requirements, workflow management, oversight of client references, and high-level proofreading and editing
- Develop and execute a firm-wide strategy to increase individual and practice recognition in key legal directories, including Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Benchmark Litigation
- Research and evaluate directories and awards opportunities, with an eye toward creating and maintaining a robust and diverse editorial calendar
- Ensure firm and lawyer profiles are accurate and up-to-date across directories and awards channels
- Cultivate relationships with editors and researchers at legal directories and relevant legal publications to understand evaluation methodology, advocate for the firm, and relay relevant information to internal stakeholders
- Lead the writing, development, and submission of high-profile award nominations, such as FT Innovative Lawyers, Am Law Industry Awards, Law360 Practice Groups of the Year, Law360 MVPs and Rising Stars, and ALM Trailblazers, among others
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with business development managers, section heads, practice chairs, and other internal stakeholders to understand strategic priorities and identify opportunities that support those goals
- Coach and support lawyers in interviews with researchers and editors, including the development of briefing documents
- Track and benchmark results, including year-over-year firm performance as well as performance against peer firms; use results to make recommendations that promote continuous improvement in submission process and optimize resource allocation
- Manage relationships with directory and awards vendors and negotiate related commercial agreements as needed
- Develop and execute plans to communicate results, both internally and externally
- Provide training and coaching to lawyers and staff to improve processes and quality of submissions, including practical guidance on the responsible use of AI tools in drafting and preparing submissions
- Stay current on best practices and developments related to directories and awards, including emerging AI tool
Minimum Requirements:- Strong writing and editing skills, with ability to use principles of corporate journalism to turn complex, technical matters into clear, persuasive narratives under deadline pressure
- Detail oriented in all tasks, including excellent proof-reading and research skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills. Self-starter with capability to work both independently and within a highly collaborative team, effectively managing ambiguity and meeting deadlines
- Good judgment, critical thinking and the ability to solve problems
- Exceptional customer service ethic
- Effective verbal and interpersonal skills, including ability to develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the firm
- Demonstrated proficiency with generative AI tools for writing, research, and analysis, including the ability to craft effective prompts, critically evaluate AI output for accuracy and adhere to the firm's AI policies
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant communications experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required
