Associate Director of External Communications

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. With us, you’ll find: A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself! Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. Job Description: The Associate Director of External Communications develops, directs, and implements the firm’s proactive and reactive public relations and social media strategy to align with firm, practice and industry standard, and individual profile-raising priorities. This position is responsible for leading a team of in-house and agency resources to establish priorities, drive proactive campaigns, respond to inbound opportunities, and develop messaging that advances the firm’s objectives. As a senior-level member of the communications team this role advises firm leadership and collaborates with brand, communications and practice/industry teams in marketing and business development. This role also provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for the firm’s social media program, including supervising a social media team, setting channel strategy and editorial direction, establishing governance and standards, and driving measurable performance against defined objectives. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Public Relations: Develop annual pro-active media strategy that results in measurable outcomes; actively monitor industry trends to align firm and practice-level priorities Establish and maintain positive relationships with top-tier media outlets and key industry influencers Craft messaging; pitch and place profile-raising coverage for the firm Manage external agency resources; establish framework and direct agency priorities, ensure maximum value for spend and oversee annual contract/statement-of-work (SOW) negotiations Oversee in-house staff resources; collaborate and provide leadership, including back-up support, to team covering UK/European offices Collaborate with