At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and manage media relationships for Kennedys across EMEA and the UK.
- Company: Join a global law firm known for its innovative approach and diverse culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a supportive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and engage with senior leaders to drive success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the firm's reputation and brand through strategic communications.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR or corporate communications, preferably in a law firm or professional services.
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.
- Working with a broad array of stakeholders across the firm to ensure external communications needs are managed accordingly.
- Acting as a media consultant to the firm's stakeholders.
- Managing reputational issues and crisis communications with the Senior Manager.
- Ongoing proactive development and nurturing of media relationships.
- Assisting on the Firm's successful awards submission programme.
- Ensuring the Firm's media contact and reporting database is used effectively.
External agency management:
- Effectively managing the Firm's global PR agency.
- Identifying and managing thematic thought leadership opportunities.
- Assisting in managing all media queries and facilitating the flow of information.
- Managing monthly administrative requirements such as tracking agency hours.
Team collaboration, leadership and development:
- Working closely with global Business Development colleagues.
- Contributing to the development of the team's operating model.
- Supporting the professional development of the team.
- Producing regular reporting on team output and external communications performance.
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 demonstrable media relationships.
- High comfort level in working across multiple time-sensitive initiatives.
- Excellent business writing skills and a strong instinct for quality.
- An effective communicator and relationship builder.
- Experienced in using digital and social media channels.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of an integrated BD team.
- Experience of line management or coordinating the work of others.
Why Kennedys:
Kennedys is a global law firm with expertise in dispute resolution and advisory services. With over 3,000 people in 45 offices across 18 countries, we empower our clients with a diverse range of ideas, tools and technology to make their lives easier, as well as delivering exceptional results.
What we have to offer:
We welcome high-performing professionals to join our rapidly expanding global firm. Our culture and values form a big part of who we are and we take them seriously. We strive to celebrate diversity, empower our people and ensure everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Kennedys is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible.
External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK employer: Kennedys
Kennedys is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects. With a strong commitment to professional development, diverse opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment, team members can expect to engage in exciting work that makes a real impact across the EMEA and UK regions. The firm values collaboration, innovation, and diversity, ensuring that every employee can bring their authentic self to work and contribute to the firm's ambitious goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Kennedys. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
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Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Kennedys, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
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We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager, EMEA and UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Kennedys. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Kennedys.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
