The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Public Relations & Communications to join our Firm. This position will be based in our NY office (hybrid).

Position Overview

This role drives the Firm's public relations strategy by proactively defining assigned PR channel communication goals and leading the global PR team in their execution. This role spearheads targeted media outreach to promote the Firm's work, thought leadership, and practice area expertise, while identifying and securing high-impact commentary and byline opportunities on emerging industry trends and market outlook.Additionally, this role monitors media coverage to ensure timely awareness of relevant Firm and client news, providing actionable insights to internal stakeholders. This role oversees day-to-day PR operations, manages and mentors junior and mid-level communications staff, and leads the coordination of public relations efforts across the Firm's offices in the U.S. The position cultivates strong relationships with key media contacts to enhance the Firm's visibility and reputation in the marketplace and contributes at a senior level to the Firm's overall communications objectives and business growth.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Media Relations

• Develops, leads, and implements strategic PR initiatives designed to maintain and enhance the Firm's practices.
• Drives the Firm's public relations strategy by setting communication goals and ensuring alignment across global teams.
• Strategizes, develops, and oversees implementation of PR best practices for use by marketing and communications personnel globally.
• Leverages and cultivates strong relationships with key journalists across geographies in business, legal, and other trade publications.
• Generates and pitches corporate-focused story ideas that showcase the Firm's expertise, accomplishments, and partner thought leadership.
• Identifies and secures high-impact commentary, byline, and speaking opportunities on emerging industry trends and market developments.
• Partners with Business Development and Marketing teams to identify and position practices and partners on key legal issues and trends.
• Coordinates public relations efforts on an ongoing basis with PR professional staff in Europe, Asia, and other U.S. offices.

Media Engagement & Content Development

• Trains and prepares Partners for conversations with the press, interviews with reporters, and other media opportunities.
• Drafts and oversees PR plans outlining media strategy, key messaging, and target outreach for Firm initiatives, deals, and thought leadership campaigns.
• Writes and oversees Firm press releases, develops media strategies, and coordinates PR placements related to Firm announcements.
• Oversees writing and placement of lateral partner press releases and profile-raising strategies.
• Drafts award submissions and facilitates media components of submissions, including interviews and Q&As.
• Leverages Firm events and content, including mailings and presentations, for thought leadership opportunities.
• Monitors and tracks key matters, significant client news, and media coverage to ensure timely awareness and provide actionable insights to stakeholders.

Team Management & Operations

• Manages, mentors, and oversees a team of junior and mid-level PR and communications professionals, assigning projects and reviewing work to ensure quality and consistency with Firm messaging.
• Provides ongoing feedback, coaches team members on media relations skills, and supports their professional development within the PR function.
• Leads tracking and reporting of key PR metrics and utilizes findings to enhance future media campaigns.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection, and training of new staff.
• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
• Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent client service, and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures.
• Engages in strategic, long-range planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned departments.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly and monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
• Complies with and understands Firm operations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends, and techniques in public relations and communications.
• Significant knowledge of the legal marketplace and operations within a professional services firm.
• Significant knowledge of the business and legal press (coverage, tone, frequency, etc.) and strong business acumen.
• Superb oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, judgment, decision-making, and analytical ability.
• Strong collaborative and project management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Flexible self-starter with a desire to work in both strategic and hands-on capacities.
• Professional demeanor, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to interact effectively with partners, other attorneys, and business services professionals at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience leading, supervising, and developing others.
• Ability to identify and execute proactively on media opportunities.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality with discretion.
• Ability to organize, prioritize work, and delegate effectively.
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team.
• Knowledge and implementation of the annual budget process.
• Knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems.
• Demonstrates close attention to detail.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.
• Flexibility to travel.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in public/media relations in law firm or equivalent professional services environment.
• Minimum of five years of related managerial experience, including direct supervision of professional staff.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details
$180,000 - $230,000