External Communications Executive

• Support the planning, execution and reporting of the external communications strategy for priority areas across the firm in the UK.

• Identify themes and issues on the news agenda which create the opportunity to position A&O Shearman as a leading global law firm, with a distinctive, forward-thinking reputation that will excite media, clients, and other key stakeholders.

• Triage incoming media inquiries and work with people across the Communications team and business to source responses to journalists’ requests.

• Handle logistics for press interviews and prepare initial draft of media briefings for partners.

• Provide first draft of news releases.

• Create and maintain press lists.

• Issue news releases and handle all follow up including circulating coverage.

• Support the external communications team with critical information on media activity and produce regular reports to showcase the team’s work.

• Research relevant topics as required and draft relevant pitches.

• Media lists

• Accountable for actively creating and managing media contact distribution lists in line with our overall communications and firm strategy.

• Media coverage reporting

• Develop and distribute comprehensive media coverage and audience insights reports on a regular basis.

• Track and analyse media coverage performance and audience insights to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.

• Evaluate media performance against competitors to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

• Technology platforms

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the media relations technology platforms for the external communications team.

• Ensure the external communications team effectively utilizes the platforms to maximize their potential.

• Campaigns

• Support the planning, execution, and performance tracking of external communications campaigns.

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure campaigns are aligned with strategic goals and executed effectively.

• Client success activations

• Manage the process of promoting client successes, including coordinating promotional activations, and ensuring consistent messaging.

• Onboarding/offboarding support

• Coordinate communications related to the onboarding and offboarding of lateral partners.

• Ensure smooth transitions and clear, consistent messaging during these processes.

• Metrics and reporting

• Assist in the development and analysis of metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of external communications initiatives.

• Provide actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement based on performance data.

• Budgeting and reporting

• Track and process budget requests and expenditures related to external communications activities.

• Cross-departmental project management

• Facilitate effective collaboration and ensure the seamless execution of projects involving multiple teams within the Communications team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

• Proven experience in external communications, with a strong background in media relations and project management.

• Trustworthy with sensitive and confidential information.

• Able to quickly establish good working relationships and promote best practice.

• Highly motivated, flexible, enthusiastic and creative with required determination to achieve results.

• A successful team player who can demonstrate initiative and the ability to be proactive when appropriate, whilst also being able to follow instructions and support the external communications managers as appropriate.

• Highly organized in order to successfully manage and prioritize a varied and demanding workload.

• Excellent attention to detail with a methodical approach to work and focus on accuracy, with an understanding of the need for documentation and well-defined procedures.

• Polite and confident in manner, an ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in an organizational setting.

• Resilient, with the ability to overcome obstacles to deliver what is required.

• Ability to be an ambassador for A&O Shearman, being professional in outlook and attitude.

• Proficiency in media measurement and reporting tools, such as Meltwater or Signal.

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide strategic recommendations.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively with various departments.

• Experience in a professional services or corporate environment, preferably within a law firm or similar complex organization.

• Familiarity with media performance tools and platforms.

• Experience in managing budgets and financial reporting.

• Knowledge of client win promotional strategies and best practices.

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