Internal Communications Manager in City of London

Strategic input

• Devise and implement internal communications strategies and plans that support the firm's strategic initiatives under our Ambition strategy.
• Working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications, develop, manage and implement internal communications strategies and plans for global strategic initiatives that support the firm's Ambition strategy. This will include areas such as:
• Digital & Legal Transformation - for example, working with the Sydney-based Internal Communications Manager on communications to the firm about our AI and digitalisation strategy and priorities, including adoption of AI capabilities and tools; improvement of AI and tech fluency across the firm; and digital change, more generally.
• a range of communications needs arising from the integration of the former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and ongoing work to align systems, processes and ways of working; and to aid in developing a one-firm culture across the merged firm.
• People & Culture initiatives/work/projects aimed at fostering a high-performing culture where people of all backgrounds have an opportunity to thrive - for example, learning and development programmes and campaigns; employee value proposition; firm Values; inclusion initiatives and reporting of data on progress; engagement survey and other feedback mechanisms; and other areas of work. This will also involve working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications to manage, where required, sensitive and complex issues.
• other global comms pieces/initiatives in the firm's BAU cycle of communications - for example, the annual partner promotions; communications planning and announcements of senior hires; and more.
• Act as a trusted adviser on internal communications to key stakeholders (including global and regional leaders).
• Influence key stakeholders to adopt best practice in internal communications.
• Collaborate with other Internal Comms team members and the External Comms team to ensure strategic alignment.
• Identify and instigate improvements to the firm's internal communications, including innovative, effective channels to support employee engagement.
• Provide specialist advice on internal communications and the most suitable format or tools for the given audience. Employ data analysis to test effectiveness.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with external suppliers as required.
• Design and create communications strategy, plans and campaigns to support the firm's strategic initiatives under the Ambition strategy - ensure approach and content is engaging and effective.
• Contribute content to communications for the CEO/other leaders as well as other communications channels.
• Collaborate with the External Communications team to ensure internal and external messages and timings are aligned.
• Collaborate with others in the Internal Communications team on the design and delivery of global internal communications campaigns as needed.
• First-rate writing, editing and oral-communication skills.
• Ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels within the firm.
• Outstanding influencing and stakeholder-management skills - and ability to simultaneously manage several stakeholders (often with differing preferences/options/input).
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, responsiveness and initiative.
• Ability to think strategically and visualise the 'bigger picture'.
• Ability to translate the firm's business strategy into easy-to-understand language to communicate to partners and staff in a clear and meaningful way.
• Thorough understanding of the culture and workings of a global law firm or professional services business with a partnership structure.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Highly collaborative, with a team mindset and willingness to play an active role in a cohesive, high-functioning team.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and proactively report on progress.
• Ability to plan and reprioritise to meet changes in needs - and meet deadlines in the face of tight timelines and conflicting or competing demands.
• Resilience and enthusiasm when working in a busy, challenging environment.
• Interest in and willingness to explore new communication channels.
• Proficiency with IT and familiarity with relevant digital platforms.

Experience, skills and qualifications

• Ten-plus years' internal communications experience in a corporate environment, preferably a law firm or professional services organisation with a partnership structure.
• Project-management skills to run effective communications campaigns.
• Experience of managing communications plans targeted with the objective of supporting business strategy, raising and maintaining awareness, supporting collaboration and reducing silos.
• Problem-identification and resolution skills; solid judgement and decision-making skills.
• Tact, diplomacy and tenacity.
• High degree of proactivity.
• Evidence of having built strong, lasting relationships with leaders and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across all levels of the firm, verbally and in writing.
• Experience of managing and delivering communications across multiple time zones, in a multicultural environment.
• Up-to-date knowledge of internal communications tools and strategies.
• Experienced of dealing with ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.
• An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

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