At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and manage media relationships for Kennedys.
- Company: Join a dynamic law firm with a global presence and innovative marketing team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a diverse team across multiple regions.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced role that shapes the firm's reputation.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR or corporate communications, strong writing skills, and media relations.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Kennedys is looking for an ambitious and proactive External Communications Manager to join our Business Development team. The successful Communications Manager will be part of the Marketing and Communications team, under the direction of the Senior Communications Manager.
Supporting all areas of external communications, the Manager will help develop and manage the Firm's external communications strategy for the UK and EMEA, promoting its brand and reputation across the media and other external audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the Senior Manager to further develop and implement a global, integrated external communications strategy aligned with the Firm's strategic business development ambitions.
- Leading on the content development and media sharing of corporate Firm news which could include lateral hires, Partner promotions and any other related corporate news for Kennedys.
- Working with a broad array of stakeholders across the firm such as leadership, fee earners and Business Services colleagues to ensure external communications needs (proactive and reactive) are managed accordingly.
- Acting as a media consultant to the firm's stakeholders and being available for their queries related to media outreach.
- The reputational management of issues and crisis communications with the Senior Manager ensuring that the process and relevant communications requirements are managed effectively and appropriately.
- The ongoing proactive development and nurturing of media relationships across multiple sectors and outlets.
- Assisting on the Firm's successful awards submission programme and managing submissions to the key legal and industry surveys.
- Ensuring the Firm's media contact and reporting database is used to best effect.
External Agency Management
- Effectively managing the Firm's global PR agency across activities such as ongoing regional workflows to help drive and meet the agency's KPI's aligned to the Firm's strategy.
- Identifying and managing thematic thought leadership opportunities across the Firm to maximise global and regional exposure.
- Managing all media queries and facilitating the flow of information as required by the media and by the agency.
Team Collaboration, Leadership and Development
- Working closely with the global Business Development colleagues across internal communications, digital channels and content marketing.
- Contributing to the development of the team's operating model.
- Supporting the professional development of the team, identifying stretch opportunities and providing constructive feedback on their work.
- Producing regular reporting on team output, project pipeline and external communications performance for the Senior Manager and the Business Development Leadership team.
Required Experience
- Demonstrable experience in PR/external communications/corporate communications in a business development role within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Thorough experience in dealing with the media with demonstratable media relationships.
- High comfort level in working across multiple time-sensitive initiatives at the same time.
- Excellent business writing skills and a strong instinct for quality.
- An effective communicator and relationship builder, with the confidence to engage credibly with senior lawyers and partners.
- Experienced in working with and assisting an external PR agency to support an in-house communications team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; familiarity with CRM tools or project tracking platforms desirable.
External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK employer: Kennedys
Kennedys is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, particularly for the External Communications Manager role in the EMEA and UK. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive team environment, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to impactful external communications strategies that enhance the firm's reputation. The opportunity to work within a global network, alongside talented professionals across various regions, makes Kennedys a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful and fulfilling careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent news and how they position themselves in the market. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in external communications and how it aligns with the firm's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in PR and external communications, especially within a law firm or professional services environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since this role requires excellent business writing skills, ensure your application is well-written and free of errors. Use clear and concise language to demonstrate your editorial standards. Remember, storytelling is key, so let your passion for communication shine through!
Highlight Media Relationships:If you've got strong media relationships, make sure to mention them! This role involves nurturing media connections, so any experience you have in dealing with the media will be a big plus. We love seeing candidates who can bring their network to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Kennedys' recent news, projects, and their overall brand strategy. Familiarise yourself with their external communications approach, especially in the EMEA and UK regions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Be prepared to discuss your previous media relationships and how you've successfully managed communications in a fast-paced environment. Bring examples of how you've handled media inquiries or crises in the past, as this role requires a strong understanding of media dynamics.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Share specific instances where you’ve led projects or contributed to team success, especially in a business development context. Kennedys values teamwork, so showing that you can work well with others is key.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Kennedys' future communications strategies or how they measure the success of their PR efforts. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role but also shows that you're thinking critically about how you can contribute to their objectives.
