Internal Communications Channel Manager (12 month FTC)

About Herbert Smith Freehills: As one of the world's leading law firms, we advise many of the largest and most ambitious organisations across all major regions of the globe. With over 5,000 people, including 3,100 lawyers and over 2,000 business services professionals, operating from our global network of offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice.

We recognise that the success of our business and our clients relies on the skills, knowledge and ideas of all our people. Our environment is one in which high performance is expected; in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your personal and professional goals.

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities:

• Source, draft and publish a daily cycle of global online intranet news and features that bring the firm's strategy to life; showcase our successes; and celebrate our people.
• Identify and produce homepage banner pieces that explore major areas of client work; strategic developments/announcements; sector trends; or key 'people' issues.
• Keep an up-to-date editorial calendar to ensure intranet news, banners and screensavers are fresh, timely and aligned to the firm's priorities and strategic messages.
• Develop and manage intranet pages and hubs to support high-profile communications initiatives.
• Provide input and advice into the ongoing development of the recently launched global SharePoint-based intranet.
• Serve as champion and subject matter expert for Staffbase Email, the firm's employee email/newsletter programme.
• Support Internal Communications Manager with initial intranet integration of US-based firm (Kramer Levin), with which HSF has proposed to combine in May 2025.
• Support on internal communications for global partner and counsel promotions.
• In collaboration with regional comms managers, support on regional leaders' news bulletins.
• Oversee production of monthly email news bulletin from global heads of Business Services functions.
• Collaborate with regional and global comms managers to provide innovative forums in which to share information and ideas; connect people; and allow global and regional leaders to hear directly from people in the firm.
• Create engaging copy, slide presentations and other materials for face-to-face use.
• Manage look and feel of key communications channels to ensure they are eye-catching, accessible and on brand.
• Use data to regularly evaluate reach and effectiveness of digital channels.
• Stay abreast of new ideas and best practice in internal communications, and apply these in management of the firm's channels (including face-to-face comms).
• Build strong relationships within the team, and with content-owners and contributors across the firm.
• Support stakeholders to improve their writing skills, intranet content and communications approach.
• Draft and/or edit content (written, video and graphic) to support internal campaigns and key communications initiatives.

Skills:

• Top-notch writing skills, including the ability to draft interesting, informative news content in journalistic style and a range of formats (news story; features; Q&A; video).
• Craft snappy, succinct headlines that capture readers' attention.
• Translate the firm's business strategy into easy-to-understand language to communicate in a way that's clear, useful and helps people understand: "What does this mean for me?".
• Sharp news sense: ability to spot and cultivate fresh, relevant news stories and features that engage, enlighten – and even entertain.
• Impeccable grammar; attention to detail; and fluency in using house style to promote consistency and clarity.
• Good eye for design/graphics/visuals.
• Creativity, coupled with initiative – and desire – to suggest ideas for improving our channels.
• Ability to produce content for varied audiences, in a wide range of contexts, and adapt tone of voice.
• Ability to think strategically, see the 'bigger picture' and anticipate comms needs.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills; ability to prioritise, juggle multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Deft stakeholder-management and influencing skills; tact and tenacity in working with people in the business to uphold editorial standards; improve content; and ensure comms are fit for purpose.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft 365, with substantial experience of intranet content-management systems.
• Familiarity with video-production process.

Experience and qualifications:

• 7+ years' internal communications experience in a corporate/business environment, preferably a law firm or other professional services organisation. We will consider candidates with less or more experience if they have the right skills and abilities.
• Substantial background in writing and intranet news for a diverse audience; maintaining an engaging, informative intranet homepage; and managing publication schedules.
• Extensive experience drafting a wide range of internal communications content, including PowerPoint presentations; video scripts; talking points; briefings; email comms; Q&A; and others as required.
• Experience of building relationships with a wide range stakeholders at all levels in an organisation.
• Experience of working with designers and with external suppliers (for example, videographers).
• Degree or equivalent work qualification in journalism, media studies, communications or related field.

Key relationships:

• Members of the firm's global and regional leadership teams
• Internal and External Communications teams
• Global and regional Business Services leadership
• Internal teams such as Business Development, Design, IT and AV Team

Diversity & Inclusion:

At Herbert Smith Freehills you will be part of a diverse, innovative culture where high performance, client focus and highly engaged people are our differentiator. People at our firm come from a range of backgrounds and bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives to their work with us. We strive to ensure that our inclusive environment means you feel valued and able to perform at your best by being your authentic self at work. We know that our future success not only depends on being innovative and progressive in the changing legal market but, most importantly, on our people feeling highly engaged in meaningful work.

We understand that you have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to create a working environment based on mutual trust and respect, in which you can perform at your best whilst maintaining sustainable balance across your life.