Communications Manager - Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Location: Dallas, Texas
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
FLSA: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager to join our dynamic team. This role, reporting to the Director of Communications, will lead a team of two to manage the firm’s global recognitions including awards, surveys and directories. The position is based in our Dallas office with a hybrid in-office/remote working schedule.This role requires an operational project manager with excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

Awards and Recognitions Management:

• Develop and implement a strategic awards and recognitions plan that aligns with the firm’s goals.
• Collaborate with practice group leaders, marketing, business development, recruiting, human resources, pro bono, diversity equity & inclusion and other departments to identify compelling submissions.
• Lead the drafting, development, and submission process for awards and legal rankings. Draft compelling narratives and submissions that highlight the firm’s achievements, practice strengths, and client successes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key awards and directory editors and researchers.
• Liaise with editors and researchers at key directories and publications to understand submission guidelines and criteria for success.
• Monitor and follow up on directories reference outreach, focusing on Chambers USA.
• Analyze rankings results and directory feedback to improve future submissions.
• Research and identify new recognition opportunities and assess their alignment with the firm’s strategic goals.
• Manage and mentor a team of two, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality submissions.
• Develop training materials and best practice templates for the team and other stakeholders.
• Draft press releases, social media posts and internal communications to share successful firm recognitions, including consulting with design and digital teams to develop visual content to communicate outstanding results.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure updates to marketing materials and biographies.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management to measure the effectiveness of award and directories strategies.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all submissions.
• Review firm profiles on directories and other third-party websites for brand consistency.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Six+ years of experience in a professional services or legal setting, with experience managing submissions to directories such as Chambers and The Legal 500, strongly preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to communicate creatively, clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with attorneys, peers, researchers and editors
• Poise, tact and professionalism when interacting with internal and external contacts to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a heavy workload in a demanding environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements
• Strong leadership skills and willingness to function as a role model within the department and office
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values
• Proficiency in relevant software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and demonstrated ability to learn new systems
• Ability to track and analyze analytics for the purpose of demonstrating the effectiveness of communications efforts
• Ability to work extended hours as necessary to fulfill time sensitive responsibilities

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