External Communications Manager

External Communications Manager – London, United Kingdom

Join McDermott Will & Schulte as an External Communications Manager based in London, supporting a global public relations strategy across our European offices.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with priority media outlets and key industry influencers.
• Develop strong relationships with firm stakeholders, including leadership, lawyers and lateral hires.
• Collaborate with brand, business development, events and practice/industry marketing teams to implement strategic communication programs.
• Monitor industry trends, editorial calendars and competitor activity, and provide trend analysis.
• Identify media opportunities, actively lead topic generation efforts and collaborate across practices and markets.
• Pitch and place profile‑raising coverage.
• Craft media messages, including research and writing of press releases, drafting of deal announcements and other client‑related communications and copy for .com.
• Serve as a firm contact for media requests, coordinating information and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with external agencies as directed by communications leaders.
• Use Salesforce to track PR activity, report to stakeholders and inform public relations plans.
• Leverage firm’s news distribution and media monitoring tools.
• Track and report on KPIs and media metrics, and maintain a working knowledge of firm technologies and other resources.
• Track and report coverage using internal announcements, newsletters and .com, among others.
• Align and help implement firm‑wide processes around media relations.
• Provide back‑up support to our global communications team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• At least five (5) years of related work experience.
• Ability to build strong media relationships within key sectors.
• Knowledge of news distribution, media monitoring and tracking software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of German (ideally) or French.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritise responsibilities.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Benefits

• Our award‑winning culture prioritises warmth and authenticity – we encourage you to be yourself.
• We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work‑life balance.
• We offer generous compensation packages that recognise hard work and excellence.

Seniority level – Mid‑Senior level

Employment type – Full‑time

Job function – Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing