Manager of Communications

Location: Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse, NY (hybrid opportunity)   Are you a strategic communications professional with law firm experience? Are you excited about the opportunity to join an innovative, growing law firm that has been successful for more than 165 years?   The Business Development team is seeking a highly organized professional with a client-service mindset and a collaborative, positive approach. This individual is responsible for managing firm-wide strategic communications and media relations to advance regional visibility and generate growth opportunities. You will THRIVE in this role if you have:   A bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field 5+ years of experience in a managerial role in a law firm or other professional services organization Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively and efficiently respond to timely requests and concerns Sound judgment, accountability, and initiative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines Strong analytical skills and ability to think strategically and identify synergies   The Manager of Communications will create and develop written strategic communication plans, including social media, to support the announcement of new attorneys, launch of new products/services and major initiatives. This includes internal and external communications. Do you have the DRIVE and DESIRE to: Work closely with the managers/directors of business development, marketing director and attorneys to create and develop strategic PR plans for their practice and related practice groups/industry teams. Provide status updates and reports on PR efforts to stakeholders Assess effectiveness of communications by utilizing analytics and metrics and report findings to the stakeholders Perform public relations support, such as draft, distribute and follow up to firm press releases through all platforms; announce new attorneys and senior staff; promote attorney and staff community recognition, and pitch to the media news on the firm and distribute firm “insights” to media outlets Establish strong media relations with regional business press and in markets where we do business as well as broader business and national media, legal industry publications and relevant trade press. Proactive review of editorial calendars and regular outreach to editorial staff to discern upcoming opportunities Provide training and preparation support for attorney media opportunities or when serving as a firm spokesperson Serve as a member of the social media team supporting social media initiatives and campaigns Manage content curation platforms and recognition outlets, such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers; manage process to proactively identify and fulfill attorney recognition opportunities Research and keep abreast of relevant marketing and industry trends to enhance relationships with traditional and social media in each market and relevant trade media Support the communications strategy of the firm during controversial or crisis situations Serve as a consultant for client situations that are controversial or a crisis.  This includes serving as the media relations interface as appropriate – or, serving as liaison to outside resources Assist with other duties as needed   Harris Beach Murtha recognizes everyone has a right to be included. You will be successful in your career at the firm if you:   Exhibit the ability to effectively multi-task, meet deadlines, and provide solutions in a fast-paced office setting Demonstrate strong client service and active listening skills Show consistent logic, rationale, and objectivity in decision making Believe in the firm’s core values: collaboration, inclusion, ingenuity, respect, integrity, and commitment Enjoy working with diverse personalities within various levels of the firm Are comfortable working in the office on a hybrid schedule and attending events   Harris Beach Murtha is not accepting candidate submissions from recruiting agencies for this position during the first two weeks after posting. Following this period, agencies with an active fee agreement with the firm may reach out to our internal recruitment team at [email protected] to inquire about potential collaboration for this position.  Salary information will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, geographic locations and weekly hours schedule. The anticipated weekly schedule for the Manager of Communications is 40 hours per week.  #LI-HybridHarris Beach Murtha is committed to an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from diverse candidates with varied background and skills, including military experience. Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.